Tuesday, 18 June 2024

 Annabelle CLEELAND (Euroa) (15:24): I had the pleasure of visiting the EdSpace independent specialist school in Benalla recently alongside new principal Megan Shiner. EdSpace exists to provide family-centred support services for people with disabilities in regional Victoria, particularly in areas of health, education and research. Megan has hit the ground running in the role, advocating strongly for students across the region that need it most. The growth of this school speaks volumes to both its success and the critical local need for the service it provides, with enrolment nearly doubling year on year.

I also visited neighbouring businesses operated by Capability Building and EdSpace with former students Noah and Kendra: Benalla Dogs for Life grooming service, Wheelie Awesome bike repairs, EdSpace cafe and the Heart of Art Benalla exhibition space. Kendra and Noah spoke about their enthusiasm for work, skills to run a business and financial earnings through the EdSpace programs.

The benefits of the school are obvious for all to see, so it is a shame families of these students will likely be ineligible for the $400 school saving bonus. These families are not immune to cost-of-living increases just because they are sending their children to an independent school, with many coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. At many of the region’s low-fee independent schools, including in towns in my electorate, like Benalla, Heathcote, Euroa, Seymour and Kilmore, more than 50 per cent of students come from financially disadvantaged families. Despite this, only a small percentage of students will be eligible for the school saving bonus. Too many families have been unfairly excluded from this school saving bonus, and it is time all were given a fair go.