Elwood College parents launch petition for school refurbishment funding

ELWOOD College parents are petitioning major parties to secure millions of dollars needed to revamp their school.

Tully 15, Emmet 17 and Emily 12 show the masterplan proposal the Friends of Elwood Colleg

ELWOOD College parents are not letting the suburb’s new electoral boundaries discourage them from their campaign to secure millions of dollars needed to revamp their school.

Dilapidated buildings from the 1950s were to be replaced under the Elwood College Master Plan, abandoned after the Labor Party lost the 2010 election.

The college is unlikely to be a priority in the safe Liberal seat of Brighton in the lead up to this November’s poll, but a parents’ group is keeping up hope.

The Friends of Elwood College group has put the master plan back on the agenda, launching an online petition calling on both parties to commit to the project.

FOTEC spokeswoman Sue Constable said it was time for both parties to commit to the project, needed now more than ever at the booming school.

“The group notes many of the funding announcements made by both parties are in marginal seats,” Ms Constable said, citing the new secondary school for Prahran.

“This funding is essential to meet growing student numbers and provide our students with the modern classrooms they deserve,” she said.

“If the major parties want to support public education, and give all students the foundations for a good start in life, they need to help all schools provide the best possible education — not just those in marginal seats.”

Year 7 student Emily Richardson supported the campaign.

“We have a great performing arts program here at the school, but there is only one drama room,” she said.

“It would be great to be learning in new classrooms.”

ELWOOD COLLEGE

— In 2010, then-Treasurer John Lenders toured the school with Albert Park MP Martin Foley and promised to fully fund the project, with the first stage of works then costed at $10 million.

— At the time Mr Lenders said the renovation of the 1958 buildings, facing Shelley and Goldsmith streets, would be the first to be repaired.

— Year 7 enrolments at the college are up 32 this year compared to last year.