- Minister for Education
The Andrews Labor Government is upgrading schools in Melbourne's inner west and building new facilities that will transform how current and future generations of Footscray students receive a world-class education.
Minister for Education James Merlino joined the Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne and the Member for Footscray Katie Hall to turn the first sod at Gilmore College for Girls in Footscray on a new $16.1 million three-storey building and tour the recently completed $5.1 million design, arts, technology and science building.
The new three-storey building will open its doors to students at the start of the 2021 school year and will include classroom spaces to cater for a total student population of 700 students at the campus on Barkly Street.
The new design, arts, technology and science facility links and expands two existing buildings into a new integrated hub. New facilities such as 2D and 3D design and maker hubs will help prepare young people for jobs of future by by combining STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills and creativity.
The Labor Government has invested more than $80 million in the Footscray Learning Precinct to create and link educational facilities in Melbourne's inner west, support diversity and accommodate all ages and stages of learning.
This will include two junior (year 7 to 9) campuses, with one campus on Barkly Street, Footscray, and the other located at a new site in Pilgrim Street, Seddon. The new senior (year 10 to 12) campus will be located at the current Footscray City College site. Footscray Primary School and Footscray City Primary School - which has a new adjoining early learning centre - will also form part of the precinct.
The Minister also announced the appointment of principals to two campuses – John Box whose role is at the Barkly Street junior campus, and Vicki Tentzoglidis, who will be at the Kinnear Street senior campus.
Under the Labor Government's school building boom, a total of 100 new schools will open by 2026, ensuring every child can attend a great local school and get a great start in life. The Labor Government has also invested $5.6 billion to deliver more than 1,400 school upgrades, supporting over 7,500 construction jobs for Victorians.
As noted by Minister for Education, James Merlino
"We're ensuring every child can have a great education at their local public school. This is why we're proud to be bringing together education in Melbourne's inner west through the Footscray Learning Precinct."
As noted by Member for Footscray Katie Hall
"This education precinct supports growth in Melbourne's inner west and prepares our young people for future jobs."
As noted by Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne
"These facilities will give local students new opportunities and passions for science, technology, design and arts."
