Thursday, 5 February 2026

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (09:48): Recently I joined the Premier Jacinta Allan, the Minister for Education Ben Carroll, our Labor candidate for South Barwon Rebecca Thistleton, principal Joel Riddle and his fantastic team and many proud parents to welcome the very first students through the gates of Yirrama Primary School. What a special morning it was, a real milestone for our growing Charlemont community. Along with Biyala Primary School in Armstrong Creek, this is one of our 19 new schools opening across Victoria, the most ever in a single year, creating more than 11,000 new enrolment places for Victorian students. These students are part of Labor’s commitment to delivering 100 new government schools between 2019 and 2026, a promise now delivered. When communities grow, classrooms, playgrounds and opportunities grow with them.

Not only that, the Allan Labor government is helping families save on the cost of school. Through the Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund, more than 190,000 eligible students each year are supported to take part in camps, sports, excursions and graduations. We have reduced the cost of uniforms by stopping the school logos on shorts, pants, skirts and socks and delivering practical supports including school breakfast clubs, glasses for kids, free dental check-ups, free swimming lessons, free public transport and free pads and tampons in government schools. Every family deserves access to a great government school, which is why the first day of the 2026 school year has been such a proud day for so many in Armstrong Creek.