Thursday, 31 July 2025

 Sonja TERPSTRA (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:54): Over 10 years ago, prior to entering this place, I began advocating for greater support for our local public schools, and since entering this place I have stayed true to my values. That is why today it gives me great pleasure to rise to share a significant and positive development for Heatherwood School in Donvale in my electorate. Following a devastating fire in August 2023, the school community has shown remarkable resilience, patience and unity in waiting for the wheels of bureaucracy to gain traction so that block A could be rebuilt. Today it gives me great pleasure to announce that the Victorian School Building Authority has appointed a builder to commence the rebuilding of block A. Following a tender process, Devco Project and Construction Management has been selected to deliver the new facilities. Construction is scheduled to commence at the end of next month, with completion forecast for July 2026. The new block A will provide students with modern, inclusive and purpose-built facilities including performing arts spaces, a canteen and trade kitchen, food technology and hospitality classrooms, storerooms, toilets and an administration area. I thank the school leadership, staff, families and students for their patience throughout this process.

The Allan Labor government will always invest in the infrastructure that Victoria’s public schools need to deliver high-quality education outcomes for Victorian students. With that, I would also like to thank Deputy Premier Ben Carroll in the other place for his outstanding leadership in ensuring that Victorian students have modern, fit-for-purpose facilities to learn in. I look forward to seeing block A in all of its new glory and the students participating in learning in their new surroundings in July 2026.