Mildura, Bass Coast: Victorian specialist schools set to receive upgrades

Millions have been allocated to schools across the state in this year’s budget. Find out where and what it will mean for them.

Brittany Carlson and Alice Barker

2 min read

May 6, 2022 - 2:34PM

The Mildura News

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Thirty-six specialist schools across Victoria will receive $326 million in the state budget to upgrade their schools.

The Bass Coast Specialist School and Mildura Specialist School are two of the sites to be upgraded.

Bass has received $1.93 million from the state government and are “thrilled” to upgrade the facilities.

Principal Rob Sands said it would meant they won’t need to rely on portable classrooms.

“We are at capacity in every class, but this funding means we are now able to upgrade the portable classes and make them permanent,” he said.

Although upgrades will change depending on the school, most will include upgrades to buildings and learning spaces, providing schools with the ability to take more students and equipment upgrades which will enable teachers to provide the best educational outcomes possible.

Education Minister James Merlino said the state government was committed to giving every family in Victoria the chance to offer their child the best education possible.

“Kids with special needs deserve access to the same opportunities as every other student and with these upgrades, we’ll make sure that’s possible,” he said.

Mildura Specialist School principal Penny Hale said the funding would allow them to upgrade their portable classrooms and their independent living skills building.

“This will make such a difference to our wonderful students and staff. We are now looking forward to learning about the possibilities for the new spaces,” she said.

State Member for Mallee, Ali Cupper, also welcomed the news.

“It will mean so much to this important facility which delivers invaluable outcomes day in and day out. It’s a thoroughly deserved win for disability families, for staff and most importantly for our children with disabilities who can continuing getting the services and support that they need,” she said.

The specialist schools receiving funding across the state are:

Ashwood School

Aurora School

Bass Coast Specialist School

Belvoir Wodonga Special Developmental School

Bendigo Special Developmental School

Berendale School and Katandra School (merger)

Broadmeadows Special Developmental School

Burwood East Special Developmental School

Cobram and District Specialist School

Croydon Special Developmental School

Dandenong Valley Special Developmental School