Thursday, 19 June 2025

Swan Hill College

Peter WALSH (Murray Plains) (17:13): (1203) My matter is for the Minister for Education and it concerns the appalling state of the boys toilet block at the Swan Hill College. This has been an issue for a number of years. The toilet block has become a haven for troublemakers with wanton vandalism and destruction of toilet bowls and stalls and everything from vaping to smoking and the bullying of students. One parent has told me he cannot remember the last time his child used the toilet block during recess or lunchtime instead of waiting to ask permission to use the toilets during class time because they technically will be empty or to use the small toilet block closer to the principal’s office. There is no unisex toilet and only one functioning disability toilet at the school. Another parent has actually moved his child to a different school because of these issues.

Swan Hill College has a proud history of delivering quality education to Swan Hill and district, and parents do not want the appalling condition of the toilets to detract from that. I request the minister to instruct the Victorian School Building Authority to fast-track the building of a new toilet block at Swan Hill College. The plans are done, and it just needs a push from the minister. My understanding is the college has accumulated close to $1 million for this project but has been forced to use some of that money to employ temporary teachers because the school has been on the list of schools with critical staff shortages for some time. They are now applying for a $500,000 Capital Works Fund grant to help pay for the project, but one of the conditions of this grant is that it actually not be built until next year. Students and families cannot wait that long. They have already been waiting for years, and the project needs to be fast-tracked. Minister, please listen to the cry for help from the families of the Swan Hill College.