Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence and Hume City Council Mayor Naim Kurt yesterday officially opened the $6.8 million Grand Boulevard Reserve – Active Open Space Development funded in partnership between the Allan Labor Government ($2.0 million) and Hume City Council ($4.8 million).
Supported by the Growing Suburbs Fund, the completed project has delivered Craigieburn and surrounding communities a quality active open space reserve.
This brand new 5-hectare Active Open Space includes an irrigated kick out lawn, a community picnic area with BBQs, drinking fountains, shelters, tables, and seating, accessible public amenities, multipurpose sports courts, a skate park, a BMX pump track, and landscaping.
The Growing Suburbs Fund represents a $435 million Victorian Government investment over nine years to provide critical local infrastructure.
Since 2015, Hume City Council has received over $37.57 million towards the delivery of 41 projects through the Growing Suburbs Fund.
This includes $750,000 in the latest round to deliver 3 playspace upgrades in the Kalkallo electorate at Balyang Way Reserve, Clovelly Drive Reserve and Highgate Recreation reserve.
Since its establishment in 2015, the program has supported 360 projects representing a total infrastructure investment of approximately $1.3 billion and has created more than 11,340 jobs.
Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence:
“This fantastic new reserve builds on our work to ensure that residents have access to the recreational space they need to stay fit and healthy.”
“It’s terrific to see local families in Craigieburn enjoying this fantastic recreational space now that it’s open.”
“Our further investment this year will help bring our community together and provide playspace upgrades close to home – ensuring that people feel connected to where they live.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny:
“The Growing Suburbs Fund supports local community connections and services, helping communities thrive and adapt to change through providing places for active social interactions.”
“I’m delighted to announce the completion of this exciting project in Craigieburn in partnership with Hume City Council as we continue to deliver for local communities across Melbourne.”
Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence and Hume City Council Mayor Naim Kurt yesterday officially opened the $6.8 million Grand Boulevard Reserve – Active Open Space Development funded in partnership between the Allan Labor Government ($2.0 million) and Hume City Council ($4.8 million).
Supported by the Growing Suburbs Fund, the completed project has delivered Craigieburn and surrounding communities a quality active open space reserve.
This brand new 5-hectare Active Open Space includes an irrigated kick out lawn, a community picnic area with BBQs, drinking fountains, shelters, tables, and seating, accessible public amenities, multipurpose sports courts, a skate park, a BMX pump track, and landscaping.
The Growing Suburbs Fund represents a $435 million Victorian Government investment over nine years to provide critical local infrastructure.
Since 2015, Hume City Council has received over $37.57 million towards the delivery of 41 projects through the Growing Suburbs Fund.
This includes $750,000 in the latest round to deliver 3 playspace upgrades in the Kalkallo electorate at Balyang Way Reserve, Clovelly Drive Reserve and Highgate Recreation reserve.
Since its establishment in 2015, the program has supported 360 projects representing a total infrastructure investment of approximately $1.3 billion and has created more than 11,340 jobs.
Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence:
“This fantastic new reserve builds on our work to ensure that residents have access to the recreational space they need to stay fit and healthy.”
“It’s terrific to see local families in Craigieburn enjoying this fantastic recreational space now that it’s open.”
“Our further investment this year will help bring our community together and provide playspace upgrades close to home – ensuring that people feel connected to where they live.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny:
“The Growing Suburbs Fund supports local community connections and services, helping communities thrive and adapt to change through providing places for active social interactions.”
“I’m delighted to announce the completion of this exciting project in Craigieburn in partnership with Hume City Council as we continue to deliver for local communities across Melbourne.”
Major works are set to get underway in Wallan as part of the Allan Labor Government’s $770 million road maintenance blitz, which is helping to repair and rebuild roads right across the state.
Crews are gearing up to start works on a stretch of Watson Street, from McCarthy Court to the Northern Highway, which has been battered by extreme rainfall in recent years.
From March 24, works will begin to smooth and strengthen the road, with crews working overnight from 8pm to 5am to ensure minimal delays for commuters.
During construction, Watson Street will be reduced to one lane with a shuttle flow arrangement to manage traffic safely.
Road closures will also be in place on Windham Street during asphalt works and motorists are advised to be conscious of reduced speed limits around the site.
Works will pause during the Easter break and are expected to be completed by early April, weather permitting.
The investment is part of a $6.6 billion, 10-year maintenance plan, which is providing a long-term vision for the state’s roads, ensuring repairs are delivered where and when they’re needed most.
Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence:
“Commuters in Wallan rely on Watson Street each and every day, which is why these repair works are so important.”
“Wallan residents have been frustrated by the state of Watson Street for far too long, so we’re getting on and fixing it.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage:
"I’m proud that we’re investing an unprecedented $6.6 billion over 10 years to repair our roads and strengthen them for the long haul.”
Major works are set to get underway in Wallan as part of the Allan Labor Government’s $770 million road maintenance blitz, which is helping to repair and rebuild roads right across the state.
Crews are gearing up to start works on a stretch of Watson Street, from McCarthy Court to the Northern Highway, which has been battered by extreme rainfall in recent years.
From March 24, works will begin to smooth and strengthen the road, with crews working overnight from 8pm to 5am to ensure minimal delays for commuters.
During construction, Watson Street will be reduced to one lane with a shuttle flow arrangement to manage traffic safely.
Road closures will also be in place on Windham Street during asphalt works and motorists are advised to be conscious of reduced speed limits around the site.
Works will pause during the Easter break and are expected to be completed by early April, weather permitting.
The investment is part of a $6.6 billion, 10-year maintenance plan, which is providing a long-term vision for the state’s roads, ensuring repairs are delivered where and when they’re needed most.
Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence:
“Commuters in Wallan rely on Watson Street each and every day, which is why these repair works are so important.”
“Wallan residents have been frustrated by the state of Watson Street for far too long, so we’re getting on and fixing it.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage:
"I’m proud that we’re investing an unprecedented $6.6 billion over 10 years to repair our roads and strengthen them for the long haul.”
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (09:51): Congratulations to all the students at Newbury Primary School who have taken on student leadership roles for 2024 and who I had the pleasure of presenting their badges to earlier this month.
It was fantastic to join these excited and proud students at their school assembly as they take on their new leadership responsibilities.
There are around 1200 students at Newbury Primary School, and with Myla, Ariana, Aubrey, Abrish, Alexander, Ella and Riyansh stepping up from the prep classes through to Dontae, Harnit, Dilraj, Divyaan, Layla, Aarika, Thaissa and Harveer representing the year 6 classes, every one of the 53 classes has a student empowerment leader. Add to this eight digital innovators and eight house leaders and there are close to 70 student leaders for 2024.
Newbury Primary School is a great school in my electorate which this government opened in 2017. Since then principal Michelle Nunn has done a fantastic job in fostering a strong sense of community among staff, students and families, and I thank her and teacher Leonie Gasper for their very kind invitation to this presentation.
Congratulations again to all those students who have taken on leadership responsibilities at Newbury Primary this year, and thank you to all the families and friends who joined in the day to celebrate these students. To all the 2024 student leaders: I know you will do a terrific job. Enjoy your new roles, and thank you again for having me at your school to share in this very special day with you.
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (09:51): Congratulations to all the students at Newbury Primary School who have taken on student leadership roles for 2024 and who I had the pleasure of presenting their badges to earlier this month.
It was fantastic to join these excited and proud students at their school assembly as they take on their new leadership responsibilities.
There are around 1200 students at Newbury Primary School, and with Myla, Ariana, Aubrey, Abrish, Alexander, Ella and Riyansh stepping up from the prep classes through to Dontae, Harnit, Dilraj, Divyaan, Layla, Aarika, Thaissa and Harveer representing the year 6 classes, every one of the 53 classes has a student empowerment leader. Add to this eight digital innovators and eight house leaders and there are close to 70 student leaders for 2024.
Newbury Primary School is a great school in my electorate which this government opened in 2017. Since then principal Michelle Nunn has done a fantastic job in fostering a strong sense of community among staff, students and families, and I thank her and teacher Leonie Gasper for their very kind invitation to this presentation.
Congratulations again to all those students who have taken on leadership responsibilities at Newbury Primary this year, and thank you to all the families and friends who joined in the day to celebrate these students. To all the 2024 student leaders: I know you will do a terrific job. Enjoy your new roles, and thank you again for having me at your school to share in this very special day with you.
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (10:29): Today I rise to congratulate all those in my community who are keenly supporting the container deposit scheme. Since the launch of the CDS locals in my community have jumped on the opportunity to increase recycling, reduce litter and earn some cash for themselves, their communities and charities, with the reverse vending machine at Craigieburn Central being the ninth most used site across all of metropolitan Melbourne. It is terrific to see the enthusiasm around this initiative and the positive change it makes to the environment and the community.
Across the state Victorians have returned more than 220 million containers, which amounts to $22 million back into the pockets of families, while in my electorate there have been 5.7 million containers returned, which equates to $570,000 invested right back into our community through refunds and donations.
A number of local organisations have already signed up to receive donations as part of this scheme, meaning club members, volunteers and the general public can make a contribution to an organisation of their choice. These organisations include the VICSES Craigieburn unit, Craigieburn Little Athletics, Craigieburn Falcons, Merrifield Panthers Sporting Association, Wallan Football and Netball Club and Second Chance Animal Rescue. I am sure that more clubs will sign up and join this program as it continues to grow.
Locals can return their containers at several sites across Craigieburn and Wallan, and I thank both Tomra and Visy for operating these refund points. I encourage all Kalkallo residents and community organisations to get on board the CDS and bring more of these environmental and financial benefits to our community.
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (10:29): Today I rise to congratulate all those in my community who are keenly supporting the container deposit scheme. Since the launch of the CDS locals in my community have jumped on the opportunity to increase recycling, reduce litter and earn some cash for themselves, their communities and charities, with the reverse vending machine at Craigieburn Central being the ninth most used site across all of metropolitan Melbourne. It is terrific to see the enthusiasm around this initiative and the positive change it makes to the environment and the community.
Across the state Victorians have returned more than 220 million containers, which amounts to $22 million back into the pockets of families, while in my electorate there have been 5.7 million containers returned, which equates to $570,000 invested right back into our community through refunds and donations.
A number of local organisations have already signed up to receive donations as part of this scheme, meaning club members, volunteers and the general public can make a contribution to an organisation of their choice. These organisations include the VICSES Craigieburn unit, Craigieburn Little Athletics, Craigieburn Falcons, Merrifield Panthers Sporting Association, Wallan Football and Netball Club and Second Chance Animal Rescue. I am sure that more clubs will sign up and join this program as it continues to grow.
Locals can return their containers at several sites across Craigieburn and Wallan, and I thank both Tomra and Visy for operating these refund points. I encourage all Kalkallo residents and community organisations to get on board the CDS and bring more of these environmental and financial benefits to our community.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”