It’s been a tough year for the education sector but Delacombe Primary School in Ballarat can put an addition to the subtractions with a new $6.5 million sports stadium, canteen, office and multipurpose room.
The investment reflects the school’s rising enrolments; in 2016 Delacombe had 269 students, which grew 486 in 2021 and will rise to 510 students next year.
The most recent upgrades complement previous investments in the school – with two permanent classrooms, a new toilet block and an outdoor learning space delivered as part of a $2 million refurbishment in 2018.
Premier Daniel Andrews visited the school to overlook the new infrastructure, which also includes extensive landscaping.
“We’re not just delivering the facilities kids in Ballarat need now – we’re future-proofing these schools to make sure we keep pace with this growing regional city and make sure every student has access to a great local school,” Andrews said.
“Whether they’re in Delacombe or Dandenong, we’re making Victoria the Education State for everyone.”
With 62 schools planned to open between 2019 and 2024, the government is well ahead in its work to open 100 new schools by 2026.
In the past seven years, more than $10.9 billion has been spent in building new schools and school upgrades across the state.
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