Families living on Ballarat’s western outskirts are one step closer to accessing the education they deserve with the appointment of Sue Sawyer to lead Lucas Primary School (interim name), which is set to open in 2020.

The Labor Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, has welcomed Ms Sawyer’s appointment during a tour of the construction site in Lucas today.

Ms Sawyer is no stranger to Ballarat, holding the roles of both Principal and Assistant Principal at Ballarat North Primary School, where she has been for the past 15 years.

Her appointment follows a thorough Department of Education process to select one of Victoria’s best and brightest educators to lead the school.

Ms Addison said the new school at Lucas is in safe hands.

“This is the next step for this soon to be completed new school and means families in Lucas and Alfredton are a step closer to getting a great new school and a great education,” she said.

“Every student deserves access to the best facilities and the best teachers close to home, and under the leadership of Sue there are great things ahead at this exciting new school,” she said.

Ms Sawyer said she is now looking forward to leading the development of a new school and being its first principal.

“I am very excited and privileged to be the foundation principal for the new primary school in Lucas. Together with the school community we will create a positive, inclusive and engaging learning environment with high quality teaching and learning where all students are able to achieve their best,’ she said.

“In the coming months, I look forward to meeting our new students and families as we prepare for our opening in Term 1, 2020,” Ms Sawyer said.

The Andrews Government has invested $17.1 million to build the new school at Lucas, which will be officially named after a community consultation process.

It’s estimated up to 475 students will be enrolled at the school once completed.

The new schools opening in 2020 are part of the Labor Government’s school building boom that will see 100 new government schools open by 2026.

The Labor Government has invested $5.6 billion in improving, upgrading and building schools to ensure that every community can access a great local school where students can achieve their best.

Media contact: Craig Wilson | 0428-525-909 | craig.wilson@parliament.vic.gov.au