Thursday, 5 February 2026

 Nick STAIKOS (Bentleigh – Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Local Government) (10:10): 2026 marks 70 years since the formation of Bentleigh Secondary College. It started off as Bentleigh High School but changed to Moorabbin City Technical High School in the 1980s, followed by Moorabbin City Secondary College a couple of years later. Then in the 1990s it became Bentleigh Secondary College. When the students gathered on the first day in 1956, headmaster Mr LA Cooke’s opening words were, ‘Buildings do not make a school, but the students and the teachers make a school.’ It is absolutely true that quality teaching is most important, and Bentleigh Secondary College has outstanding teachers. But buildings are important too, and I am proud to have delivered a number of new buildings for the school. These include two new indoor courts, which added to the two existing courts. We built the Da Vinci Centre, a state-of-the-art building for STEAM subjects, and more recently we built the performing arts precinct, where talented Bentleigh students tread the boards in their annual major musical productions, most recently Mamma Mia! last year. Throughout these buildings you will find dedicated staff and great students. Bentleigh Secondary College is a school of choice for many local families, and I can say confidently that it is stronger today than it has ever been in its 70-year history. I wish all staff and students, past and present, a most enjoyable and celebratory 2026 as they mark this very important milestone.