Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (10:07): Earlier this month I was thrilled to announce that three terrific schools in my electorate will receive funding through the Catholic stream of the Allan Labor government’s Building Fund for Non-Government Schools.
Kolbe Catholic College is receiving $6 million for the construction of stage 2 of their Mickleham campus, which includes a learning neighbourhood, 16 general learning areas, a performing arts centre, five specialist learning spaces, multipurpose spaces, four modular general learning areas, landscaping and car parking. Holy Cross Catholic Primary School in Mickleham is also receiving $6 million, for the construction of a senior school learning building, which will include six general learning areas, flexible learning spaces, breakout areas and landscaping works. Oscar Romero Catholic Primary School in Craigieburn will receive $3.6 million for the construction of eight modular general learning areas and other associated works.
With more than one in three Victorian students studying at a Catholic or independent school, this program is incredibly important in ensuring that local students get the very best education possible in the best facilities.
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (10:07): Earlier this month I was thrilled to announce that three terrific schools in my electorate will receive funding through the Catholic stream of the Allan Labor government’s Building Fund for Non-Government Schools.
Kolbe Catholic College is receiving $6 million for the construction of stage 2 of their Mickleham campus, which includes a learning neighbourhood, 16 general learning areas, a performing arts centre, five specialist learning spaces, multipurpose spaces, four modular general learning areas, landscaping and car parking. Holy Cross Catholic Primary School in Mickleham is also receiving $6 million, for the construction of a senior school learning building, which will include six general learning areas, flexible learning spaces, breakout areas and landscaping works. Oscar Romero Catholic Primary School in Craigieburn will receive $3.6 million for the construction of eight modular general learning areas and other associated works.
With more than one in three Victorian students studying at a Catholic or independent school, this program is incredibly important in ensuring that local students get the very best education possible in the best facilities.
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (10:08): I was also excited to recently announce that the school breakfast clubs program will be expanded to another four schools in my community, including Gilgai Plains Primary School, Banum Warrik Primary School, Newbury Primary School and Yubup Primary School.
This important program is working to address the impact that disadvantage can have on a student’s education outcomes, which is why I was thrilled with this announcement that makes sure that no student starts the school day hungry. Families at these schools have really welcomed this news, and I look forward to the program.
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (10:08): I was also excited to recently announce that the school breakfast clubs program will be expanded to another four schools in my community, including Gilgai Plains Primary School, Banum Warrik Primary School, Newbury Primary School and Yubup Primary School.
This important program is working to address the impact that disadvantage can have on a student’s education outcomes, which is why I was thrilled with this announcement that makes sure that no student starts the school day hungry. Families at these schools have really welcomed this news, and I look forward to the program.
Craigieburn’s Clovelly Drive Playspace has been transformed thanks to a $160,000 investment from the Allan Labor Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.
Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence recently opened the $334,235 playspace, which was jointly funded and delivered in partnership with Hume City Council.
The Clovelly Drive Playspace has been renewed with new play equipment including swings, a rocker and carousel spinner, as well as climbing, balance and sliding play equipment.
Nature play elements with logs and rocks have been incorporated, along with picnic furniture, seating, footpaths and new trees and garden beds.
The project has improved the amenity and accessibility of the reserve, with family-friendly areas featuring interactive sensory play panels.
The Growing Suburbs Fund represents a $440 million Victorian Government investment over 10 years to provide critical local infrastructure.
The Victorian Budget 2024-25 provided an additional $5 million to continue the support for infrastructure needs for our fast-growing outer suburbs, with this latest funding round being administered by the Office for Suburban Development.
Since its establishment in 2015, the program has supported 360 projects representing a total infrastructure investment of $1.3 billion and has created over 11,340 jobs.
Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence MP:
“I know just how excited families in Craigieburn were about this playspace, and I’m thrilled they can now put it to good use.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Suburbs Sonya Kilkenny:
“We’re proud to invest in community wellbeing by building critical infrastructure and improved facilities for local families.”
“I’m delighted to announce the official opening of this important project in partnership with Hume City Council as we continue to build new and improved facilities in our fastest growing suburbs.”
Craigieburn’s Clovelly Drive Playspace has been transformed thanks to a $160,000 investment from the Allan Labor Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.
Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence recently opened the $334,235 playspace, which was jointly funded and delivered in partnership with Hume City Council.
The Clovelly Drive Playspace has been renewed with new play equipment including swings, a rocker and carousel spinner, as well as climbing, balance and sliding play equipment.
Nature play elements with logs and rocks have been incorporated, along with picnic furniture, seating, footpaths and new trees and garden beds.
The project has improved the amenity and accessibility of the reserve, with family-friendly areas featuring interactive sensory play panels.
The Growing Suburbs Fund represents a $440 million Victorian Government investment over 10 years to provide critical local infrastructure.
The Victorian Budget 2024-25 provided an additional $5 million to continue the support for infrastructure needs for our fast-growing outer suburbs, with this latest funding round being administered by the Office for Suburban Development.
Since its establishment in 2015, the program has supported 360 projects representing a total infrastructure investment of $1.3 billion and has created over 11,340 jobs.
Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence MP:
“I know just how excited families in Craigieburn were about this playspace, and I’m thrilled they can now put it to good use.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Suburbs Sonya Kilkenny:
“We’re proud to invest in community wellbeing by building critical infrastructure and improved facilities for local families.”
“I’m delighted to announce the official opening of this important project in partnership with Hume City Council as we continue to build new and improved facilities in our fastest growing suburbs.”
The Allan Labor Government is ensuring students across Victoria will continue to have access to world-class facilities after maintenance works are carried out at our schools.
Ros Spence MP recently announced that both Mount Ridley College and Willmott Park Primary School will both receive funding as part of the Planned Maintenance Program (PMP).
Mount Ridley College will receive $147,172 for the rebuild of two ramps, a partial rebuild of six ramps, and minor works at one other ramp which were identified through the Ramp Safety Audit.
While Willmott Park Primary School will receive $187,894 for the complete rebuild of five ramps which were also identified through the Ramp Safety Audit.
The Planned Maintenance Program provides funding to address high-priority maintenance issues across Victoria’s government school network.
It ensures schools can undertake essential work in classrooms and other school buildings such as fixing roofs and replacing windows, painting, and resurfacing floors, as well as some external works like improving pathways.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested $16.9 billion in building new schools and more than 2,200 school upgrades, creating around 26,000 jobs in construction and associated industries.
Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo, Ros Spence MP:
“I’m thrilled that both Mount Ridley College and Willmott Park Primary School will be receiving funding as part of this important program for these much-needed works.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing these ramps improved and rebuilt so that our students can continue to learn in a good environment.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll:
“This program is about ensuring that every Victorian school is kept up-to-date, so that every child can access a high-quality education in a high-quality environment.”
“We are constantly evaluating our schools and making sure every single classroom is safe,
engaging, and will complement the top-class education we are committed to providing.”
The Allan Labor Government is ensuring students across Victoria will continue to have access to world-class facilities after maintenance works are carried out at our schools.
Ros Spence MP recently announced that both Mount Ridley College and Willmott Park Primary School will both receive funding as part of the Planned Maintenance Program (PMP).
Mount Ridley College will receive $147,172 for the rebuild of two ramps, a partial rebuild of six ramps, and minor works at one other ramp which were identified through the Ramp Safety Audit.
While Willmott Park Primary School will receive $187,894 for the complete rebuild of five ramps which were also identified through the Ramp Safety Audit.
The Planned Maintenance Program provides funding to address high-priority maintenance issues across Victoria’s government school network.
It ensures schools can undertake essential work in classrooms and other school buildings such as fixing roofs and replacing windows, painting, and resurfacing floors, as well as some external works like improving pathways.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested $16.9 billion in building new schools and more than 2,200 school upgrades, creating around 26,000 jobs in construction and associated industries.
Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo, Ros Spence MP:
“I’m thrilled that both Mount Ridley College and Willmott Park Primary School will be receiving funding as part of this important program for these much-needed works.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing these ramps improved and rebuilt so that our students can continue to learn in a good environment.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll:
“This program is about ensuring that every Victorian school is kept up-to-date, so that every child can access a high-quality education in a high-quality environment.”
“We are constantly evaluating our schools and making sure every single classroom is safe,
engaging, and will complement the top-class education we are committed to providing.”
The Allan Labor Government is ensuring that every Victorian student can learn in the best facilities – with low-fee Catholic schools across the state to receive funding to upgrade classrooms and build new facilities.
Ros Spence MP recently announced Kolbe Catholic College, Oscar Romero Catholic Primary School, and Holy Cross Catholic Primary School are just three of the 65 Catholic schools across Victoria which will receive funding to expand and modernise existing facilities or build new schools.
Kolbe Catholic College will receive $6 million which will go towards the construction of stage two of their school’s campus in Mickleham including for a learning neighbourhood, sixteen general learning areas, a performing arts centre, five specialist learning spaces, multipurpose spaces, four modular general learning areas, other associated spaces, landscaping, and carparking.
Holy Cross Catholic Primary School in Mickleham will also benefit from this terrific program with a total of $6 million for the construction of a senior school learning building, which will include six general learning areas, flexible learning spaces, breakout areas, other associated spaces, and landscaping works.
Oscar Romeo Catholic Primary School in Craigieburn will also be receiving $3.6 million for the construction of eight modular general learning areas and other associated works.
These projects are being delivered through the Catholic stream of the Labor Government’s Building Fund for Non-Government Schools – which helps schools upgrade and expand their facilities, ensuring families have the best learning environments for their children.
Non-government schools are an important part of Victoria’s education system, with more than one-third of Victorian students studying at Catholic or independent schools.
Quote attributable to Member for Kalkallo, Ros Spence MP:
“I’m thrilled that three schools across our community have received funding as part of this terrific program.”
“I can’t wait to see families at Kolbe Catholic College, Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, and Oscar Romeo Catholic Primary School benefit from this funding and the brand-new facilities it will deliver.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll
“Thousands of Victorian kids go to a low-fee Catholic school every day – and we’re making sure those kids are learning in the best environments.”
“We’re supporting our low-fee Catholic schools to expand, build new classrooms and open new campuses.”
The Allan Labor Government is ensuring that every Victorian student can learn in the best facilities – with low-fee Catholic schools across the state to receive funding to upgrade classrooms and build new facilities.
Ros Spence MP recently announced Kolbe Catholic College, Oscar Romero Catholic Primary School, and Holy Cross Catholic Primary School are just three of the 65 Catholic schools across Victoria which will receive funding to expand and modernise existing facilities or build new schools.
Kolbe Catholic College will receive $6 million which will go towards the construction of stage two of their school’s campus in Mickleham including for a learning neighbourhood, sixteen general learning areas, a performing arts centre, five specialist learning spaces, multipurpose spaces, four modular general learning areas, other associated spaces, landscaping, and carparking.
Holy Cross Catholic Primary School in Mickleham will also benefit from this terrific program with a total of $6 million for the construction of a senior school learning building, which will include six general learning areas, flexible learning spaces, breakout areas, other associated spaces, and landscaping works.
Oscar Romeo Catholic Primary School in Craigieburn will also be receiving $3.6 million for the construction of eight modular general learning areas and other associated works.
These projects are being delivered through the Catholic stream of the Labor Government’s Building Fund for Non-Government Schools – which helps schools upgrade and expand their facilities, ensuring families have the best learning environments for their children.
Non-government schools are an important part of Victoria’s education system, with more than one-third of Victorian students studying at Catholic or independent schools.
Quote attributable to Member for Kalkallo, Ros Spence MP:
“I’m thrilled that three schools across our community have received funding as part of this terrific program.”
“I can’t wait to see families at Kolbe Catholic College, Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, and Oscar Romeo Catholic Primary School benefit from this funding and the brand-new facilities it will deliver.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll
“Thousands of Victorian kids go to a low-fee Catholic school every day – and we’re making sure those kids are learning in the best environments.”
“We’re supporting our low-fee Catholic schools to expand, build new classrooms and open new campuses.”
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (09:43): Earlier this month I had the opportunity to visit two fantastic local businesses in Mickleham which have been doing a great job in their very first year.
Late last year I visited Evaryde ice cream for the first time. It was great to check in and see how everything was tracking. Anil, Neelama, Jidin and Saumya are rightly proud of their business with all the ice cream and frozen treats made fresh in-house and heaps of delicious flavours to choose from. They are doing an outstanding job, being the first store of their kind in Mickleham, and I look forward to watching them grow.
I also had the chance to pop into Genesis Health & Fitness to meet with co-owner Michael and see some of the fantastic facilities they have on offer for locals. Michael gave me a tour of the gym where it was clear just how busy and in demand their services are, and I also got a chance to see the next stage of works, which includes a dedicated gym area for women, which will no doubt be very popular.
Later that day I hosted a small business round table with the Minister for Small Business where we had the opportunity to hear from local businesses about some of their experiences, as well as talk about some of the supports and grants that are available to them through Business Victoria. Following that meeting those business owners have already set up a traders association, and I wish them all the best.
Thank you to both Anil at Evaryde ice cream and Michael at Genesis Health & Fitness for inviting me to visit them, along with Avtar and all the small business owners who attended the round table. I am looking forward to working with all of you.
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (09:43): Earlier this month I had the opportunity to visit two fantastic local businesses in Mickleham which have been doing a great job in their very first year.
Late last year I visited Evaryde ice cream for the first time. It was great to check in and see how everything was tracking. Anil, Neelama, Jidin and Saumya are rightly proud of their business with all the ice cream and frozen treats made fresh in-house and heaps of delicious flavours to choose from. They are doing an outstanding job, being the first store of their kind in Mickleham, and I look forward to watching them grow.
I also had the chance to pop into Genesis Health & Fitness to meet with co-owner Michael and see some of the fantastic facilities they have on offer for locals. Michael gave me a tour of the gym where it was clear just how busy and in demand their services are, and I also got a chance to see the next stage of works, which includes a dedicated gym area for women, which will no doubt be very popular.
Later that day I hosted a small business round table with the Minister for Small Business where we had the opportunity to hear from local businesses about some of their experiences, as well as talk about some of the supports and grants that are available to them through Business Victoria. Following that meeting those business owners have already set up a traders association, and I wish them all the best.
Thank you to both Anil at Evaryde ice cream and Michael at Genesis Health & Fitness for inviting me to visit them, along with Avtar and all the small business owners who attended the round table. I am looking forward to working with all of you.
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (10:00): I was very pleased to attend the Hume volunteers civic reception over the weekend to acknowledge some local hardworking volunteers as part of National Volunteer Week. I was particularly pleased to do this as Victoria’s first minister for volunteers and to show my respect for our incredibly valued and important community members. As part of this celebration more than 120 volunteers were recognised and thanked for the time that they give to our community. This year’s theme for National Volunteer Week was ‘Something for Everyone’, which asks all of us to explore the rich diversity of opportunities available through volunteering.
At the reception we heard from three fantastic volunteers: Eva Mazzel, a Gardens for Wildlife volunteer, Shayne Taylor from the SES and Megan Russell, who is part of the reconciliation action plan working group. Eva, Shayne and Megan spoke about not only the long-term benefits volunteering can have across the broader community but also just how important their experiences as volunteers have been in their personal journeys of growth and upskilling. I thank them for sharing their stories.
I am so pleased to see our hardworking local volunteers being recognised and celebrated for their contribution to our community. I know so many of our community members undertake volunteering roles. Our community is better thanks to them – from the CFA and the SES to every community sports club, the Craigieburn War Memorial and Remembrance Committee, local residents associations and so many more. As the local member for Kalkallo and Minister for Carers and Volunteers, I thank all those who give their time to benefit others in the community.
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (10:00): I was very pleased to attend the Hume volunteers civic reception over the weekend to acknowledge some local hardworking volunteers as part of National Volunteer Week. I was particularly pleased to do this as Victoria’s first minister for volunteers and to show my respect for our incredibly valued and important community members. As part of this celebration more than 120 volunteers were recognised and thanked for the time that they give to our community. This year’s theme for National Volunteer Week was ‘Something for Everyone’, which asks all of us to explore the rich diversity of opportunities available through volunteering.
At the reception we heard from three fantastic volunteers: Eva Mazzel, a Gardens for Wildlife volunteer, Shayne Taylor from the SES and Megan Russell, who is part of the reconciliation action plan working group. Eva, Shayne and Megan spoke about not only the long-term benefits volunteering can have across the broader community but also just how important their experiences as volunteers have been in their personal journeys of growth and upskilling. I thank them for sharing their stories.
I am so pleased to see our hardworking local volunteers being recognised and celebrated for their contribution to our community. I know so many of our community members undertake volunteering roles. Our community is better thanks to them – from the CFA and the SES to every community sports club, the Craigieburn War Memorial and Remembrance Committee, local residents associations and so many more. As the local member for Kalkallo and Minister for Carers and Volunteers, I thank all those who give their time to benefit others in the community.
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (10:00): There has been terrific news across the Kalkallo electorate for grassroots sport over the past few weeks, with exciting announcements that will make a meaningful difference and help improve opportunities for participation. As part of the latest round of the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, lighting will be installed at Aston Reserve standalone soccer pitch. This announcement has been hugely welcomed by Craigieburn City Football Club, which boasts a massive 67 teams this year. I would like to thank Paul and Joanne Dugo, who have been tireless advocates for this upgrade and on behalf of Craigieburn City generally.
But it is not just soccer that is benefiting from this government’s investment; the recent state budget also provided a boost for the Craigieburn tennis courts, with funding for lighting that will enable more court time for local residents. This upgrade is great news for members of the longstanding Craigieburn Tennis Club, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the club on celebrating its 50th birthday this year. What a terrific milestone.
Finally, I recently had the opportunity to visit the Craigieburn Sports Stadium upgrade. Works on stage 1 are almost complete, including the construction of three new multisport courts for basketball, netball and badminton. Backed by a $5 million contribution from the Allan Labor government and delivered in partnership with Hume City Council, this massive upgrade is incredibly important for the Craigieburn Netball Association, the Craigieburn Ladies Badminton Club and of course the mighty Craigieburn Eagles Basketball Association. Grassroots sport is at the heart of Melbourne’s growing outer north, and I am thrilled this government is continuing to deliver important investments and outcomes.
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (10:00): There has been terrific news across the Kalkallo electorate for grassroots sport over the past few weeks, with exciting announcements that will make a meaningful difference and help improve opportunities for participation. As part of the latest round of the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, lighting will be installed at Aston Reserve standalone soccer pitch. This announcement has been hugely welcomed by Craigieburn City Football Club, which boasts a massive 67 teams this year. I would like to thank Paul and Joanne Dugo, who have been tireless advocates for this upgrade and on behalf of Craigieburn City generally.
But it is not just soccer that is benefiting from this government’s investment; the recent state budget also provided a boost for the Craigieburn tennis courts, with funding for lighting that will enable more court time for local residents. This upgrade is great news for members of the longstanding Craigieburn Tennis Club, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the club on celebrating its 50th birthday this year. What a terrific milestone.
Finally, I recently had the opportunity to visit the Craigieburn Sports Stadium upgrade. Works on stage 1 are almost complete, including the construction of three new multisport courts for basketball, netball and badminton. Backed by a $5 million contribution from the Allan Labor government and delivered in partnership with Hume City Council, this massive upgrade is incredibly important for the Craigieburn Netball Association, the Craigieburn Ladies Badminton Club and of course the mighty Craigieburn Eagles Basketball Association. Grassroots sport is at the heart of Melbourne’s growing outer north, and I am thrilled this government is continuing to deliver important investments and outcomes.