Victorian schools will receive a funding boost to deliver small but important upgrades thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s $70 million Minor Capital Works Fund.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison today announced that Dana St Primary School has been allocated $500,000 as part of the fund to fast-track a priority project, supporting local jobs through Victoria’s economic recovery.

Dana St Primary School is one of Victoria’s oldest schools and this funding will go towards an upgrade of the outdoor play and sport spaces. The upgrade may include a number of different features such as a multi-use synthetic oval, a creative play space, an outdoor learning space and a separate futsal court.

Other funding through the Minor Capital Works Program for schools in Ballarat include

• $300,125 for Alfredton Primary School for an indoor facility upgrade
• $91,120 for Ballarat North Primary School for internal classroom upgrades
• $500,000 for Black Hill Primary School for bathroom refurbishments
• $448,665 for Macarthur Street Primary School for bathroom refurbishments

Last month, the Labor Government invested more than $3 billion in school upgrades through the Victorian Budget 2020/21.

While much of this funding went towards new schools and major upgrades to existing schools, this fund is delivering smaller projects that also make a big difference to local schools. Projects will commence from early 2021.

Victoria’s school building boom is the biggest in the country. More importantly, it’ll mean our kids have the classrooms – and the bright futures – they deserve.

In the past five years, the Victorian Government has invested more than $9 billion in more than 1,600 school upgrades – creating more than 10,000 construction jobs – and is now ahead of schedule on its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 48 new schools opening between 2019 and 2022.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“Every student should have a great school, no matter where they live. That’s why we’re investing in hundreds of small but important projects that will make a big difference for schools and create jobs for Victorians.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“The Dana Street PS community are committed to providing a great outdoor space for their students. I am so pleased that we can provide half a million dollars in funding to make it happen. It’s what their school community deserves”

“After a tough year for teachers and students, this funding for schools across Ballarat is most welcomed by our school communities as well as supporting our economic recovery by creating jobs”

Quotes attributable to Dana St Primary School Principal Natalie Toohey

“This is an important upgrade that will optimise and greatly enhance the space we have available. It is expected that the results will facilitate enhanced wellbeing for our students. The whole school community will be excited, as we have identified this area as a high priority.”