A $17.6 million upgrade at East Loddon P12 College has been hailed as an investment to future proof the school.
Principal of the school with more than 260 students, Steve Leed, was the first to praise the new facilities at Friday’s official opening of stages one and two by Premier and member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan.
Ms Allan, Mr Leed and students had earlier participated in the school’s Aboriginal smoking ceremony.
The Premier said: “These new facilities will ensure more local students have the world-class education opportunities they deserve.”
“Thanks to this upgrade, we’re making sure every child has the best education facilities for generations to come,” Ms Allan said.
“Modern learning environments will help students boost creative thinking, promote STEM literacy, and inspire learning for life – critical skills for future success.”
Ms Allan thanked Mr Leed, current college council president Sharon Lister and former president Richard Hicks for their leadership during the upgrade project.
She said the upgrade made sure more students at East Loddon College get the best education, close to home – with new specialised learning spaces delivered, making it easier for students to learn and teachers to teach.
The major stage costing $12.7 million has seen upgrades to arts and science rooms, wood and metal workshops, home economics rooms and general classrooms. Builder A.W Nicholson completed the works that also delivered a new teaching space, partial refurbishment and landscaping. The Government said 22 jobs were created during construction including 3500 hours of apprenticeship work.
Ms Allan said: “This is not the end of a journey, but the start of a new beginning ... (and) means country kids get the same opportunities.”
She said that when the Dingee district became part of her electorate in 2014, an early visit was made to East Loddon to learn about the opportunities and pathways available to students. But she said the school buildings were letting students down.
Ms Allan said she had been determined to get “better buildings to match the great work (of students and teachers)”.
“The Labor Government has invested more than $17.6 million in East Loddon College to upgrade and modernise facilities.”