Thursday, 20 February 2025

 David HODGETT (Croydon) (17:22): (1025) My adjournment is for the Minister for Education, and the action I seek is for the minister to reinstate the $33,114 per annum funding that was recently withdrawn from the Maroondah Positive Education Network, a collaboration between the Maroondah City Council, the Maroondah Principals Network and the Department of Education. Maroondah City Council have recently contacted my office with great confusion as to why, after eight years of funding this incredible program, the funding was suddenly stopped just before Christmas, with no explanation and no time for any possible transition of the program.

This valuable program uses a system-based approach to build capability, connection and community to enable schools to create and maintain flourishing learning environments where relationships are important and other people matter. In 2021 the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System recognised the work of the Maroondah Positive Education Network, stating that:

… the schools … in this network have made significant progress … The Commission encourages the Victorian Government to continue to explore the potential to scale this program.

The Maroondah Positive Education Network has also drawn national and international attention over the years, so this funding is crucial for the ongoing delivery, sustainability and success of the program. Its benefits are for the more than 10,000 children and families in Maroondah. I again ask for the minister to reinstate the funding for this very important program.