• New local schools

    The Andrews Labor Government is delivering a record investment in new and upgraded local schools, including new secondary schools in Kalkallo, Mickleham and Craigieburn.

  • Better health care

    The Andrews Labor Government will deliver a new community hospital in Craigieburn and a dedicated children’s emergency department at the Northern.

  • Improving public transport services

    The Andrews Labor Government is delivering the biggest-ever upgrade to our local bus network, with huge improvements across services covering Melbourne's outer north.

  • Upgrading major local roads

    Construction has commenced on the Craigieburn Road Upgrade and Mickleham Road Upgrade, with planning for the Watson Street Interchange underway.

  • More parking for local commuters

    A new 745 space car park has opened at Craigieburn Station, boosting the total number of parking spaces at the station to more than 1,200 and making it easier for commuters to find a car park and catch the train.

  • More parking for local commuters

    A new 745 space car park has opened at Craigieburn Station, boosting the total number of parking spaces at the station to more than 1,200 and making it easier for commuters to find a car park and catch the train.

Media Centre

LOCAL KIDS TO EMBRACE NATURE WITH EXPANDED BUSH KINDERS

Children in Craigieburn will have the chance to learn and play in the great outdoors, thanks to an expansion of bush kinder programs by the Allan Labor Government. Ros Spence Member for Kalkallo today announced that both the Craigieburn West YMCA Early Learning Centre and Whiz Kidz Early Learning Centre Craigieburn will each receive one-off grants of $6,000 to offer a bush kinder program in 2024. Bush kinder programs are delivered outdoors at places including parks, bushland, and beaches - giving children a unique opportunity and freedom to learn through play outdoors. The programs are educational and exciting – with a significant positive impact on a child’s development, as well as on their physical health and wellbeing. The $6,000 grants will help kindergartens buy the equipment they need to run programs that focus on getting outside, playing with natural materials, and learning through activities such as climbing trees and watching wildlife. The Labor Government is investing $3.6 million over four years to expand bush kinder programs in up to 600 kindergarten services across Victoria. Bush kinder programs funded in this grant round start at the beginning of Term 3, 2024. To find out which kindergartens are receiving a bush kinder grant, visit vic.gov.au/bush-kinder-grants-program. Quotes attributable to State Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence: “We’re providing grants of $6,000 to kindergartens locally in Craigieburn, ensuring children have opportunities to get outdoors and learn in a natural environment.” “I can’t wait to see families at both the Craigieburn West YMCA Early Learning Centre and Whiz Kidz Early Learning Centre Craigieburn benefit from this funding.”

LOCAL KIDS TO EMBRACE NATURE WITH EXPANDED BUSH KINDERS

Children in Craigieburn will have the chance to learn and play in the great outdoors, thanks to an expansion of bush kinder programs by the Allan Labor Government. Ros Spence Member for Kalkallo today announced that both the Craigieburn West YMCA Early Learning Centre and Whiz Kidz Early Learning Centre Craigieburn will each receive one-off grants of $6,000 to offer a bush kinder program in 2024. Bush kinder programs are delivered outdoors at places including parks, bushland, and beaches - giving children a unique opportunity and freedom to learn through play outdoors. The programs are educational and exciting – with a significant positive impact on a child’s development, as well as on their physical health and wellbeing. The $6,000 grants will help kindergartens buy the equipment they need to run programs that focus on getting outside, playing with natural materials, and learning through activities such as climbing trees and watching wildlife. The Labor Government is investing $3.6 million over four years to expand bush kinder programs in up to 600 kindergarten services across Victoria. Bush kinder programs funded in this grant round start at the beginning of Term 3, 2024. To find out which kindergartens are receiving a bush kinder grant, visit vic.gov.au/bush-kinder-grants-program. Quotes attributable to State Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence: “We’re providing grants of $6,000 to kindergartens locally in Craigieburn, ensuring children have opportunities to get outdoors and learn in a natural environment.” “I can’t wait to see families at both the Craigieburn West YMCA Early Learning Centre and Whiz Kidz Early Learning Centre Craigieburn benefit from this funding.”

MEMBERS STATEMENT: YUBUP PRIMARY SCHOOL & BANUM WARRIK PRIMARY SCHOOL

Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (09:53): We have had a terrific start to the school year in the Kalkallo electorate with the opening of Yubup Primary School, which I attended along with the Premier and the Minister for Education, as well as the welcome to country ceremony at Banum Warrik Primary School, which will be officially opened next week. With the completion of these schools, I am proud that since the election of the state Labor government in 2014 we have now delivered 11 new government schools in the growing communities I represent. Yubup Primary School, yubup meaning ‘parakeet’, is a very welcome addition to the rapidly growing Mickleham. Thank you to students Pravan, Joban, Trishanpreet and Zuhra, along with principal Maree Moyle, who gave us a tour of this terrific school and to some of its state-of-the-art facilities. The preps enjoyed a story from the Premier, and they loved the free prep bags we were able to hand out. These bags are loaded with books, educational items and information to help preps and their families start off the school year. It was fantastic to also attend the first day welcome to country ceremony at the new Banum Warrik Primary School, with Banum Warrik meaning ‘grassy plains’. The ceremony, led by Coree and the Koorie Youth Will Shake Spears group, included a smoking ceremony and a couple of traditional dances, which all the students were really keen to take part in. It was fantastic to see the brand new facilities at Kalkallo’s newest school. Thank you also to principal Anthony Potesta for inviting me to this ceremony. I cannot wait to attend the official opening next week. Both of these schools are incredibly important to this growing community. We have got families moving in every day, and now their trip to school is even shorter.

MEMBERS STATEMENT: YUBUP PRIMARY SCHOOL & BANUM WARRIK PRIMARY SCHOOL

Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (09:53): We have had a terrific start to the school year in the Kalkallo electorate with the opening of Yubup Primary School, which I attended along with the Premier and the Minister for Education, as well as the welcome to country ceremony at Banum Warrik Primary School, which will be officially opened next week. With the completion of these schools, I am proud that since the election of the state Labor government in 2014 we have now delivered 11 new government schools in the growing communities I represent. Yubup Primary School, yubup meaning ‘parakeet’, is a very welcome addition to the rapidly growing Mickleham. Thank you to students Pravan, Joban, Trishanpreet and Zuhra, along with principal Maree Moyle, who gave us a tour of this terrific school and to some of its state-of-the-art facilities. The preps enjoyed a story from the Premier, and they loved the free prep bags we were able to hand out. These bags are loaded with books, educational items and information to help preps and their families start off the school year. It was fantastic to also attend the first day welcome to country ceremony at the new Banum Warrik Primary School, with Banum Warrik meaning ‘grassy plains’. The ceremony, led by Coree and the Koorie Youth Will Shake Spears group, included a smoking ceremony and a couple of traditional dances, which all the students were really keen to take part in. It was fantastic to see the brand new facilities at Kalkallo’s newest school. Thank you also to principal Anthony Potesta for inviting me to this ceremony. I cannot wait to attend the official opening next week. Both of these schools are incredibly important to this growing community. We have got families moving in every day, and now their trip to school is even shorter.

NEW BUS SERVICES ROLLED OUT IN MELBOURNE’S NORTH

The Allan Labor Government has delivered a new express shuttle bus service between Craigieburn and Donnybrook stations – providing a faster and more direct option for locals in one of the state’s rapidly growing regions. The new Route 501 Donnybrook Station to Craigieburn Station via the Hume Freeway will better connect residents in Kalkallo, Donnybrook and Mickleham to train stations on both the metropolitan and V/Line networks.   Starting from 7 January 2024, the route will run express between the two stations every 15 minutes on weekdays during peak periods and every 20 minutes throughout the rest of the day, while operating every 40 minutes on weekends.   The bus interchange at Craigieburn Station has been upgraded to help run the new service, with Route 525 Donnybrook Station to Craigieburn Station via Mickleham also seeing bay changes to accommodate.   Further upgrades to the bus network will also be made in January, with 21 extra services added to Route 390 Mernda Station to Craigieburn Station via Wollert.   Starting from 17 December, passengers will experience a realigned and faster commute on Route 538 Somerset Estate to Broadmeadows via Camp Road and will also benefit from 12 extra Saturday afternoon services.   The upgrades are part of the Labor Government’s Victorian Bus Plan, which is improving the state’s bus network to better meet demand and improve services across the state.   Information on the service changes will be available from 15 December on the PTV website at ptv.vic.gov.au.   Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence: “Commuters in Kalkallo, Mickleham and Donnybrook will now have access to an express shuttle bus from Donnybrook Station to Craigieburn Station, better connecting our community.” “Last year I sponsored a petition to Parliament calling for this incredibly important project, and now we’re delivering it.”  Quote attributable to Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage: "These new services will ensure communities in Melbourne’s north are better connected to jobs and services, and give people the choice of using V/Line or Metro services.”  Quotes attributable to Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams:  “We’re introducing new bus routes to service rapidly growing suburbs across our state giving those communities more reasons to leave the car at home.”  “We know how important buses are in communities – which is why these new services will help more people get to the places they want to be.”

NEW BUS SERVICES ROLLED OUT IN MELBOURNE’S NORTH

The Allan Labor Government has delivered a new express shuttle bus service between Craigieburn and Donnybrook stations – providing a faster and more direct option for locals in one of the state’s rapidly growing regions. The new Route 501 Donnybrook Station to Craigieburn Station via the Hume Freeway will better connect residents in Kalkallo, Donnybrook and Mickleham to train stations on both the metropolitan and V/Line networks.   Starting from 7 January 2024, the route will run express between the two stations every 15 minutes on weekdays during peak periods and every 20 minutes throughout the rest of the day, while operating every 40 minutes on weekends.   The bus interchange at Craigieburn Station has been upgraded to help run the new service, with Route 525 Donnybrook Station to Craigieburn Station via Mickleham also seeing bay changes to accommodate.   Further upgrades to the bus network will also be made in January, with 21 extra services added to Route 390 Mernda Station to Craigieburn Station via Wollert.   Starting from 17 December, passengers will experience a realigned and faster commute on Route 538 Somerset Estate to Broadmeadows via Camp Road and will also benefit from 12 extra Saturday afternoon services.   The upgrades are part of the Labor Government’s Victorian Bus Plan, which is improving the state’s bus network to better meet demand and improve services across the state.   Information on the service changes will be available from 15 December on the PTV website at ptv.vic.gov.au.   Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence: “Commuters in Kalkallo, Mickleham and Donnybrook will now have access to an express shuttle bus from Donnybrook Station to Craigieburn Station, better connecting our community.” “Last year I sponsored a petition to Parliament calling for this incredibly important project, and now we’re delivering it.”  Quote attributable to Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage: "These new services will ensure communities in Melbourne’s north are better connected to jobs and services, and give people the choice of using V/Line or Metro services.”  Quotes attributable to Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams:  “We’re introducing new bus routes to service rapidly growing suburbs across our state giving those communities more reasons to leave the car at home.”  “We know how important buses are in communities – which is why these new services will help more people get to the places they want to be.”

FUNDING FOR ELEVATION SECONDARY COLLEGE

The Allan Labor Government is helping more kids get active and fostering the talents of Victoria’s future sports stars through Active Schools Grants. On Friday, Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence announced that as part of this program, Elevation Secondary College will receive $30,000 to help get local students physically active. Schools have previously used their Active Schools funding to upskill PE teachers, purchase sports and fitness equipment, implement programs such as bicycle education, circus and dance, build outdoor learning spaces, make upgrades to playgrounds, install sensory play areas and cover costs associated with sports and physical activities. For more information about the Active Schools Grants Program, please visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/active-schools. Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence: “Sports and physical activity help young people thrive, and the Active Schools initiative is making sure that students get access to these benefits, no matter their background or where they live.” “I’m delighted that Elevation Secondary College was successful in their application for funding through this program.”

FUNDING FOR ELEVATION SECONDARY COLLEGE

The Allan Labor Government is helping more kids get active and fostering the talents of Victoria’s future sports stars through Active Schools Grants. On Friday, Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence announced that as part of this program, Elevation Secondary College will receive $30,000 to help get local students physically active. Schools have previously used their Active Schools funding to upskill PE teachers, purchase sports and fitness equipment, implement programs such as bicycle education, circus and dance, build outdoor learning spaces, make upgrades to playgrounds, install sensory play areas and cover costs associated with sports and physical activities. For more information about the Active Schools Grants Program, please visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/active-schools. Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence: “Sports and physical activity help young people thrive, and the Active Schools initiative is making sure that students get access to these benefits, no matter their background or where they live.” “I’m delighted that Elevation Secondary College was successful in their application for funding through this program.”

 

FUNDING FOR CRAIGIEBURN PRIMARY SCHOOL

The Allan Labor Government is working to support students with a disability and additional needs through the Inclusive Schools Fund, delivering inclusive play areas, sensory gardens, and outdoor learning spaces. On Wednesday, Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence announced that as part of this $9 million fund, Craigieburn Primary School will receive more than $229,000 for a new playground that will include accessible equipment, inclusive pathways, and sensory elements. Since its establishment, around 420 creative projects have been funded through this transformational program, helping build inclusive learning spaces and specially designed accessible playgrounds – ensuring all students are able to fully participate, develop and succeed in Victorian government schools. The Labor Government launched the Inclusive Schools Fund in 2015 to help schools cater for students whose additional needs require extra facilities. A total of $80 million has been invested to deliver these works throughout Victoria. For more information about the Inclusive Schools Fund, including a list of recipients, please visit: https://www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/inclusive-schools-fund. Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence: “I’m delighted that Craigieburn Primary School was successful in their application for funding through this program.” “Students at Craigieburn Primary School will now have access to a more inclusive playground, that caters to the needs of all their students.”

FUNDING FOR CRAIGIEBURN PRIMARY SCHOOL

The Allan Labor Government is working to support students with a disability and additional needs through the Inclusive Schools Fund, delivering inclusive play areas, sensory gardens, and outdoor learning spaces. On Wednesday, Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence announced that as part of this $9 million fund, Craigieburn Primary School will receive more than $229,000 for a new playground that will include accessible equipment, inclusive pathways, and sensory elements. Since its establishment, around 420 creative projects have been funded through this transformational program, helping build inclusive learning spaces and specially designed accessible playgrounds – ensuring all students are able to fully participate, develop and succeed in Victorian government schools. The Labor Government launched the Inclusive Schools Fund in 2015 to help schools cater for students whose additional needs require extra facilities. A total of $80 million has been invested to deliver these works throughout Victoria. For more information about the Inclusive Schools Fund, including a list of recipients, please visit: https://www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/inclusive-schools-fund. Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence: “I’m delighted that Craigieburn Primary School was successful in their application for funding through this program.” “Students at Craigieburn Primary School will now have access to a more inclusive playground, that caters to the needs of all their students.”

MEMBERS STATEMENT: KALKALLO YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (09:57): As this year draws to a close I would also like to thank my Kalkallo Youth Advisory Council for all the work they have done in 2023. \ This year members focused on the issue of career development and life skills, creating a flyer that acts as a directory to helpful resources via a QR code, which they plan to distribute to secondary schools over the coming weeks. Thanks to Aarav, Ammar, Anagha, Ashly, Caitlyn, Divjot, Harkirat, Helena, Husain, Jayde, Kayla, Lorjel, Maria, Matthew, Mehar, Nathaniel, Nayush, Omar, Priyanshi, Sarah and Uthish. I thank all of these members for the work they have done, and I look forward to many of them returning next year on the council, as have many returned from last year.

MEMBERS STATEMENT: KALKALLO YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (09:57): As this year draws to a close I would also like to thank my Kalkallo Youth Advisory Council for all the work they have done in 2023. \ This year members focused on the issue of career development and life skills, creating a flyer that acts as a directory to helpful resources via a QR code, which they plan to distribute to secondary schools over the coming weeks. Thanks to Aarav, Ammar, Anagha, Ashly, Caitlyn, Divjot, Harkirat, Helena, Husain, Jayde, Kayla, Lorjel, Maria, Matthew, Mehar, Nathaniel, Nayush, Omar, Priyanshi, Sarah and Uthish. I thank all of these members for the work they have done, and I look forward to many of them returning next year on the council, as have many returned from last year.

MEMBERS STATEMENT: 2023 PREMIER’S SPIRIT OF ANZAC PRIZE

Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (09:56): Congratulations to Mount Ridley College student Baylasan Almosa for being a recipient of the 2023 Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize. This competition provides students in years 9 to 12 with an opportunity to explore Australia’s wartime and peacekeeping history and its relevance to developing our diverse and multicultural society. As part of her application Baylasan recorded a video of herself making Anzac biscuits while reflecting on the Gallipoli campaign and discussing its significant contribution in creating Australia’s identity. Baylasan will now have the opportunity to tour war memorials, battlefields and commemorative sites in Türkiye, including Gallipoli. Congratulations again to Baylasan and the 11 other recipients, who have done a fantastic job in reflecting on the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

MEMBERS STATEMENT: 2023 PREMIER’S SPIRIT OF ANZAC PRIZE

Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (09:56): Congratulations to Mount Ridley College student Baylasan Almosa for being a recipient of the 2023 Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize. This competition provides students in years 9 to 12 with an opportunity to explore Australia’s wartime and peacekeeping history and its relevance to developing our diverse and multicultural society. As part of her application Baylasan recorded a video of herself making Anzac biscuits while reflecting on the Gallipoli campaign and discussing its significant contribution in creating Australia’s identity. Baylasan will now have the opportunity to tour war memorials, battlefields and commemorative sites in Türkiye, including Gallipoli. Congratulations again to Baylasan and the 11 other recipients, who have done a fantastic job in reflecting on the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

MEMBERS STATEMENT: ALICE HU, VICTORIAN EDUCATION EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (09:58): I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Alice Hu at Elevation Secondary College for being a recipient of the Victorian Education Excellence Awards in the Outstanding Early Career Secondary Teacher category. Alice has applied her expertise in the field of mathematics and created a learning environment focused on high achievement by developing an individualised experience for students of all abilities depending on their specific needs. Her teaching style in delivering a fully differentiated learning environment for each individual has improved the overall results for students in the field of mathematics. Before coming to Elevation Secondary College, Alice was focused on improving women’s access to STEM, particularly mathematics, and she brought this passion with her to Craigieburn. Engaging the mathematics department at the University of Melbourne to run workshops at the school, Alice worked with teachers to identify mathematics potential in female students. Over 40 students attended these voluntary workshops, with years 7 to 9 girls now demonstrating higher mastery levels in maths. These education excellence awards recognise the inspirational work of teachers in our government schools who have gone above and beyond to help their students achieve their very best. Elevation Secondary is an outstanding school in Craigieburn, opened by this government in 2020, and teachers like Alice ensure that is the case. Congratulations again to Alice for all the work she has done to inspire students and to improve students’ mathematical skills at Elevation Secondary College. You have certainly done an outstanding job in demonstrating why Victoria is the Education State.

MEMBERS STATEMENT: ALICE HU, VICTORIAN EDUCATION EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (09:58): I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Alice Hu at Elevation Secondary College for being a recipient of the Victorian Education Excellence Awards in the Outstanding Early Career Secondary Teacher category. Alice has applied her expertise in the field of mathematics and created a learning environment focused on high achievement by developing an individualised experience for students of all abilities depending on their specific needs. Her teaching style in delivering a fully differentiated learning environment for each individual has improved the overall results for students in the field of mathematics. Before coming to Elevation Secondary College, Alice was focused on improving women’s access to STEM, particularly mathematics, and she brought this passion with her to Craigieburn. Engaging the mathematics department at the University of Melbourne to run workshops at the school, Alice worked with teachers to identify mathematics potential in female students. Over 40 students attended these voluntary workshops, with years 7 to 9 girls now demonstrating higher mastery levels in maths. These education excellence awards recognise the inspirational work of teachers in our government schools who have gone above and beyond to help their students achieve their very best. Elevation Secondary is an outstanding school in Craigieburn, opened by this government in 2020, and teachers like Alice ensure that is the case. Congratulations again to Alice for all the work she has done to inspire students and to improve students’ mathematical skills at Elevation Secondary College. You have certainly done an outstanding job in demonstrating why Victoria is the Education State.