Thursday, 20 September 2018

 Ms NEVILLE (Bellarine—Minister for Police, Minister for Water) (09:56): On Tuesday, 11 September, I had the pleasure of announcing that a re-elected Andrews government would deliver a $6 million upgrade of Newcomb Secondary College. Joining me was the highly respected principal, Phil Honeywell, and student representatives Zoe Bell, Luka Binks and Presley Johannesen. This funding would completely upgrade the school’s maths, music and technology wings.

Newcomb is the zoned school for students living in Leopold. Currently these students make up about a third of the school population. The school has the capacity for 1370 students, and with 431 now attending there is significant scope for the school to meet the future needs of Leopold. In recent months I have discussed these needs with a number of active Leopold parents, led by Joshua Robins. Although they were initially hesitant about Newcomb, having met with the school leaders to discuss their concerns, view firsthand the school in operation and learn of the great programs on offer, it is accurate to say these parents are now very much in support of Newcomb Secondary College. I commend the work of Joshua and the other parents for the open and positive steps they have taken in addressing their concerns.

Of course we have the great Leopold Primary School as well, which we completely rebuilt back in 2002 and are now also upgrading with a further $3.2 million upgrade. So the community of Leopold have access to some of the best education, and this $6 million will ensure Newcomb Secondary College is at the standard that it needs to be.