Western Victoria Region
Mr GRIMLEY (Western Victoria) (12:16): (1816) My question is to the Minister for Education. Primary schools are the beating heart of small regional towns. Often they are supported by the local community through fundraising events when something new is needed. However, from time to time they need assistance from the government. The Rupanyup Primary School is needing that now. They need new playground equipment. They applied for a government grant but were unsuccessful. The current equipment is extremely old and unsafe; in fact it has been condemned by a playground inspector. The ‘new’ equipment was installed around 25 years ago, with the rest of the playground over 40 years old. It is rusted and has a long list of safety and injury risks, making it completely unsuitable for children. It is a blight on all governments when the community says, ‘We’re used to having to look after ourselves when no-one else will’. It is time the government helped Rupanyup Primary School. Minister, will you direct the Victorian School Building Authority to build and install new playground equipment for the Rupanyup Primary School?