Wednesday, 21 February 2024

Chelsea Primary School

Tim RICHARDSON (Mordialloc) (19:21): (540) My adjournment this evening is for the Minister for Education, and the action I seek is an update on the progress of Chelsea Primary School’s build as part of stage 1 of their master plan redevelopment. It was the then Andrews government that committed funds in the budget towards Chelsea Primary School, a wonderful school of more than 110 ‍years significance for our communities. To see the great transformation that is taking place, literally coming out of the ground, to build their multipurpose facilities has been truly extraordinary. Some $3.9 million has been invested in Chelsea Primary School. Under the leadership of Taylor Irish, the school goes from strength from strength. It is one of many examples of the upgrades and building improvements we are doing around the area.

On the weekend we had a massive celebration – I reckon half of Victoria turned out to Mordialloc College. It was absolutely heaving as we celebrated the centenary of this magnificent secondary college. One hundred years is extraordinary to reflect on: the mechanics institute where Mordialloc College was established, and then at Attenborough Park and along the Mordialloc Creek. Of course for First Nations people the Mordialloc Creek was a place of learning for generations. For thousands of years it has sustained life and community, and it now is the home of education facilities there. A 100-year celebration for Mordialloc College, and we have done three stages of works and improvements there.

We have seen upgrades at Chelsea Heights, Yarrabah School and Edithvale Primary School. We have upgraded Aspendale Primary School, Parkdale Primary, Parktone Primary, Mentone Park Primary, Parkdale Secondary College, Kilbreda College in the independent school sector, St Joey’s in Chelsea, St John Vianney’s, St Brigid’s primary school and St Louis de Montfort’s Primary School. It is all happening in our patch. The message is clear: when it comes to education and investing in our kids, the Andrews and Allan Labor governments have led not only Victoria but the nation in capital investment in our schools to make sure the first-class education that happens in our community is matched by first-class facilities.

I would love to get an update on the progress of one of our latest builds, Chelsea Primary School. I will not ask two questions, but if the minister would love to come down there as well, we would not be opposed to that. But I know he is very busy, so we will ask for an update on the Chelsea Primary School redevelopment.