James Merlino | Politician

James Merlino

Phone: +61 3 9754 5401

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25.01.2022 We did it! All of our students are back in the classroom from today. The final 163,000 students in Years 8 to 10 in metropolitan Melbourne are joining their classmates back onsite. It is a significant step. I know it has been hard, but every student, their family and school staff have played a huge role in driving down Victoria’s coronavirus numbers. I thank each and every one of you.... And, some more good news - graduation ceremonies can also commence right across Victoria meaning year 6 and year 12 students and school staff can gather to celebrate their final year at their school. COVIDSafe measures must be in place and they can only be attended by students from the graduating year level and school staff, but can be broadcast to families. With all students back onsite, schools are being provided with additional expert advice to make sure they are doing everything they can to keep staff and students safe. This includes visits from trained Occupational Health and Safety professionals and infection prevention specialists who will visit 1000 government and non-government schools this term. These visits will help schools identify and address any gaps in health and safety strategies and ensure the right measures are in place for programs such as mental health and wellbeing supports for staff and students. 2020 has been a very tough year for our schools, students and their families. But I could not be prouder of how they have all responded.

25.01.2022 2020 has been such a challenging year for all of our students but particularly for our senior students in their final year of school. We have already announced a special consideration process to ensure our VCE students complete the year and any impacts of the pandemic are reflected in their VCE scores and ATAR ranking. Today we announced a complete package to support school students on a vocational pathway as well.... Students will be able to access special consideration to support them to achieve their VCAL certificates, and those school students who were unable to complete their VET qualifications will be guaranteed an enrolment at TAFE or dual sector providers to complete their studies in 2021. There are more than 10,000 students in their final year of schooling completing VCAL. Where students are unable to complete units, the VCAA will grant students credit which ensures every student will be supported to gain their VCAL certificate regardless of the impact of the pandemic. Schools will consider the impact of remote learning including things like school closures, remote learning impacting practical parts of their studies, mental health challenges and long absences. More than 15,000 VCAL and VCE students are also undertaking studies for nationally recognised VET qualifications and we need to support them as well. The requirements of completing VET qualifications are nationally recognised and regulated by the Federal Government. And the skills attained give employers certainty in employing individuals with these qualifications. Today we announced that students who do not complete their VET qualifications in 2020 as intended, will be guaranteed enrolment at a TAFE or dual sector provider and have their 2021 VET fees waived in order to complete their course, or an equivalent course where it is not provided. Not only will this support students to continue their studies, it’ll save families hundreds of dollars in tuition fees. Ensuring a seamless continuation of VET studies, students will receive a Statement of Attainment for completed VET units of competency in 2020, recognised at all RTOs and TAFEs. Students will also be able to continue their VET studies until December 18, providing an additional month to complete their VET studies and have these recognised on their VCAL certificate. It has been a tough year, but the key point is that no matter what you are studying in your final year of school, we will do everything we can to support you to achieve your goals!

25.01.2022 One of the particularly exciting announcements this week is the resumption of organised sport for our kids. It's so important we get them out and active again - for their health and for parents sanity! As a softball Dad, I can recommend this to local families - it's a brilliant team sport for girls and boys! Lilydale Ejays Softball Club

25.01.2022 Today was a critical day. Around 85,000 VCE students both in Victoria and around the world sat the General Achievement Test. This includes almost 30,000 Year 11 and almost 500 Year 10 students. And it was a huge success.... Across 582 locations here in Victoria and another 63 locations in, and out, of Australia. Some students couldn’t get back here for the test, so we had students sit the test from locations as far as Brunei, Latvia, Saudi Arabia and West Africa to name just a few! To have 85,000 students from government, Catholic and independent schools sit an exam in the midst of a pandemic is no small feat. But I’m pleased that the hard work and planning has paid off. We’re over the first big hurdle for VCE students heading towards the end of the 2020 school year. The GAT is vitally important in order to moderate and validate students’ VCE scores. I want to thank all the students that participated today, as well as teachers and exam supervisors. You’re one step closer to the finish line! The next step will be VCE exams. But I know everyone will continue to rise to the challenge. And we’ll be there to support our students every step of the way. Well done to all!

25.01.2022 Today I joined Dan Andrews to outline our roadmap out of lockdown. Importantly it includes some significant announcements for schools and early childhood services I want to share with you. Students will begin returning to school next term in a careful, staged approach.... For the first week of Term 4, all students will continue to learn remotely, except senior secondary students doing VCE/VCAL essential assessments on-site and, for VCE students, the General Achievement Test (GAT) on 7 October. Students in regional and rural specialist schools can continue to attend on-site. From 12 October, metropolitan Melbourne students in Prep to Grade 2, VCE and VCAL and specialist schools will return to on-site learning. Teachers will only need to be on-site to deliver classes if their students are, or to provide supervision for students who need to attend on-site. Otherwise they are able to work from home. All regional and rural Victorian students will return to on-site learning from 12 October. Schools will have local flexibility to determine the best staged approach for different year levels, with all students to be back on-site by Friday 16 October. Students in Years 3 to 10 in metropolitan Melbourne will continue remote and flexible learning, with a decision on their on-site return to be made based on future health data and expert public health advice. Early childhood education and care will be open to all children from 28 September, with parents/carers no longer requiring a permit. Sessional kindergarten will be open for all children to attend at the start of Term 4, and eligibility for outside school hours care attendance will continue to align with schools. I know how hard this period has been on everyone. I want to take this opportunity to thank all our brilliant school and early childhood staff, parents, carers and most importantly students.

24.01.2022 We are making the biggest change in government school disability support in Australian history. In fact it’s a first for the Southern Hemisphere! Our upcoming budget will deliver an unprecedented near $1.6 billion to double the number of students receiving support in the classroom to 55,000 and it is expected to create up to 1,730 jobs across the state by 2025. This means every school that has a child with a disability will receive a boost in funding. Students who may have... previously been ineligible for targeted support, such as those with autism, dyslexia or complex behaviours, will get the support they need. Some parents may have heard about a pilot program we ran in 100 schools focused on putting the needs of the student at the heart of our response shifting away from current practices and focusing on what a child can achieve, rather than what they can’t. This program will now be rolled out state-wide in a staged approach, but every government school will start seeing the benefits from next year with expert coaches being rolled out state-wide, extra training for teachers, 80 specialist school outreach workers, 150 masters scholarships in inclusive education per year and additional advice and resources for parents and schools. Every child deserves every chance to succeed. And that is exactly what we will deliver.

23.01.2022 Fantastic news! The Monbulk Community Sports Pavilion has won the AFL Victoria Best Community Football Facility award for 2019! Funded by the community, all three levels of Government and the local Bendigo Community Bank, the Pavilion is a stunning example of a multi use facility that serves Monbulk Senior Football Netball Club, Monbulk Cricket Club, Monbulk Junior Football Club and many community groups. Congratulations to the Monbulk Recreation Reserve Development Group for their work on this project!

22.01.2022 Last night our community was hit with significant storms. I’d like to thank the outstanding work of our emergency services workers and volunteers who are responding to incidents right across the state. Three victorians have lost their lives including one in our community in Belgrave. ... My thoughts are with the family and friends of those who lost a loved one last night during what was already a challenging time for our community. Now more than ever we need to rally around our community and support each other. Under the current restrictions, you can leave your home in an emergency and to seek medical care. When leaving your house remember to always wear a face covering, maintain physical distancing of 1.5 metres between you and other people, and follow all personal hygiene requirements. If you are stopped by Victoria Police, please explain your situation. In a life threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000). Yarra Valley Water has issued a contaminated water notice for 88 Melbourne suburbs. I would advise the community to boil water as a precaution. If my office can be of assistance, please call on (03) 9754 5401 or email me at [email protected]

22.01.2022 Great news! We are ahead of where we thought we would be in driving down coronavirus numbers. Thanks to the efforts of all Victorians, today we announced that ALL primary students in metro Melbourne can return to face-to-face teaching in the week of October 12. This is a wonderful outcome for all primary students, but particularly for Year 6 students in their final year of school. It’s such a milestone year in young people’s lives and I know how much everyone was hoping for a... quick return. They can now celebrate their last ever term in primary with their schoolmates and teachers, and look forward to the exciting transition to secondary school. We always said that as soon as we got public health advice, we would return other students to face-to-face teaching. All metro primary students will join special school students and VCE and VCAL students in face to face teaching on site. Schools will make local decisions on what day students return during the week of the 12th. Remote learning continues to play a key role in significantly reducing the movement of people across the state. For that reason, a decision has not yet been made on the return of secondary students in years 7 to 10. As always that will be guided by our health experts and the state’s coronavirus numbers. A massive thank you to all of the school staff, parents and carers, and our students who have played a huge role in making remote learning work. You have all made a big difference to our success as the coronavirus numbers continue to fall.

22.01.2022 As our state grows, we need to make sure we have the schools and classrooms to meet that demand. That is why last week’s budget was so important. Ensuring families can access a great school close to home.

22.01.2022 We know our mental health system is broken. At the same time we are dealing with the impacts Coronavirus has had on people’s mental health. That is why we established the Royal Commision into Mental Health and committed to deliver on all its recommendations. And that is also why today we announced a massive boost in mental health funding. The centrepiece of the Budget is $492 million to complete the roll out of 144 mental health beds a key recommendation of the interim repo...rt from Royal Commission. There is also an additional $18.9 million for 35 acute treatments beds for public mental health patients in private health services. We will invest $21.4 million to support the statewide expansion of the Hospital Outreach Post-Suicidal Engagement service, with individual, intensive and one-on-one support for Victorians as they rebuild their lives with services across the state including Albury-Wodonga, Bairnsdale, Ballarat, Broadmeadows, Box Hill and Mildura. As we begin the work to rebuild our system, learning from the lived experiences of Victorians is vital. It’s why $2.2 million will help design the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, a new centre dedicated to bringing together the experts on our mental health system researchers, academics and those who’ve experienced mental health issues firsthand. A further $16 million will help those same Victorians use their own personal experience to support others in need with new training positions, education and opportunities for employment. The Budget also includes $8.7 million to establish a residential mental health service, specifically designed and delivered by those with lived experience. This service will deliver short-term care and support in a residential community setting, designed as a true alternative to acute hospital-based care. Supporting the mental health of our young people will remain critical as we begin our recovery, with this year’s Budget investing $47.8 million dedicated to early intervention support for young people, as well as $7 million to support critical research into youth mental health and operations at the Orygen centre. The Budget will also deliver an extra 19,000 hours for community mental health support. The final report from the Royal Commission is due next year. I know that there’s much more to do and more to invest in as we rebuild our mental health system. But we are up to the challenge

21.01.2022 The transition from kinder to school is very important. That is why I am very pleased to announce that small groups of kinder kids can attend schools for transition visits in metro areas. The change means that groups of ten can attend on-site and get to know their future school and teachers! ... This change brings metro areas in line with the same rules in regional Victoria.

21.01.2022 This has been one of the most challenging experiences many of us have ever lived through. However, throughout this pandemic there have been workforces who have helped us when we have needed them most - our vital mental health, family violence and child protection workers. When we are at our most vulnerable, they are always there.... And in our upcoming budget we want to support them. That is why today we announced a massive $235 million package to build our Recovery Workforce and create 500 new jobs across mental health, family violence, aboriginal community health and child protection. We will also generate new accelerated training pathways and internships for around 875 people, growing the pipeline of workers so Victorians have access to the support they need as we recover from this pandemic. In mental health, this includes additional positions for child and youth psychiatry registrars, graduate mental health nurses, funding for new part-time positions and cadetships for people with a lived experience of mental health providing opportunity for these Victorians to use their experience and expertise to support those in need. This was also an interim recommendation made in the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. We know we have more to do but this a significant boost to some of our most critical workforces.

21.01.2022 Students at Mater Christi College - Belgrave can look forward to exploring their new STEM learning areas when they head back to school! This upgrade project was delivered with the support of a $1 million investment through the Non-Government Schools Capital Fund. I know the staff and students will make the most of these excellent new facilities. Through projects like this, we are making sure all Victorian school students benefit from a record investment in education infrastructure.

20.01.2022 It’s been such a challenging time for students since remote learning began. Those who didn’t have any access to the internet or any devices to learn needed help. And that is why we have delivered thousands of laptops, devices and internet dongles right across the state.

20.01.2022 Today the Premier announced some significant easing of restrictions in regional Victoria. This good news is testament to the sacrifices made right across the state to slow the spread of coronavirus. What we are doing is working. For regional schools it means primary school students can return to the classroom sooner than we previously expected . During the first week of term four, all rural and regional primary schools will return to face to face teaching. ... As previously announced VCE and VCAL students will attend on-site for the General Achievement Test and other essential assessments and special school students can continue to attend on-site. It is a significant step forward for regional communities and I want to thank all of schools staff, parents and carers, and our students for the work everyone has done during this challenging period.

20.01.2022 With all students back at school we are continuing to make changes as we return to a COVID normal. Today I am happy to announce that we have received the public health advice that Year 7 school transition events can commence. This means that small groups of Grade 6 students and their teacher or parents can meet Year 7 educators in the secondary school environment. We also received advice that face-to-face year level assemblies can occur for students and staff, which is somet...hing I know schools have been very keen to see happen. These are small but important steps for our schools and students.

20.01.2022 Great to catch up with members from the local community and sporting clubs to officially announce $3.4 million for Stage 2 of the Olinda Precinct Plan! I know how popular this space has become since the opening of the playspace and dog-off lead area, but it's clear that more work still needs to be done to improve access to this fantastic precinct. I'm delighted to announce that Stage 2 of this project will deliver sealed and improved car parking, upgraded and re-developed DDA... compliant access paths connecting to the wider township and recreational trails, plus a look-out! The completed Olinda Precinct will offer something for everyone. I want to thank everyone in the community for their continued advocacy for this wonderful project. Olinda Ferny Creek Football Netball Club Olinda Cricket Club Olinda Play Space

20.01.2022 Sometimes it’s the smallest projects that make the biggest difference. Well today I announced 328 schools will share in the $70 million Minor Capital Works Fund. The funding will allow schools to fast-track priority projects, supporting local jobs through Victoria’s economic recovery.... These projects might be smaller. But they are very important to each school. For instance there are 58 projects to upgrade existing ovals and other sporting facilities, 58 projects to provide new or upgrade existing playgrounds or sensory play spaces, 43 projects to refurbish school toilet facilities to improve amenity, cleanliness and hygiene and 24 projects to upgrade and refurbish roofs and other external building works. It’s all part of the biggest investment in school upgrades in our states history.

19.01.2022 Take a virtual tour of Greenvale North West Primary School (interim name)! This new school will welcome its first students at the start of next year. It’s one of the 100 new schools that we’re opening across Victoria between 2019 and 2026. As a supported inclusion school, Greenvale’s new primary school has been designed to support a higher number of students with a disability than a typical mainstream school. This means that all students will be able to make the most of the ...fantastic learning and outdoor facilities. I’ll be very excited to see this school open next year. Ros Spence MP

18.01.2022 We don’t want any student to miss out on the opportunities offered by quality vocational education and training. The fact is that a vocational pathway is valuable and leads to a great career. Employment forecasts predict that occupations requiring a VET qualification are likely to grow by around 40 per cent over the next 15 years.... These are good careers and well paying jobs. But right now not enough students are choosing this pathway either because it’s not offered or it’s not perceived as a high achieving option. We must change that. That’s what this reform is all about. It’s about elevating the vocational pathway with one integrated secondary school certificate. And to do that we will put jobs coordinators in every government school to support students through their studies and show them just how valuable this career path will be.

17.01.2022 2020 continues to be a year like no other for schools and early childhood services. Today I announced $26.7 million for a range of measures to support our early childhood services and families, including providing additional funding to ensure that sessional kindergarten remains free for most families in Term 4. Community-based, local government and school providers offering sessional programs will be eligible for about $500 per enrolment to provide children with access to a f...ree 15-hour program each week. We are also supporting children as they transition from kinder to prep. In a normal year kinder kids visit their local schools in preparation for their first year of primary school. This year prep teachers will visit kinders to engage with the kids, and work with early childhood teachers to make sure all children are supported and have a great start to school. Our early childhood teachers and educators do a brilliant job. This year they have gone above and beyond. They all deserve our thanks and gratitude. We have already seen more than 4,170 teachers and educators sign up to participate in transition training to help children move from kindergarten into school, and 6,800 staff attend webinars on supporting families through learning remotely. These are brilliant examples of the dedication that our early childhood professionals have towards supporting Victoria’s littlest learners. We know that starting school is a huge milestone. Victorian families can rest assured that our dedicated early childhood and school teachers are working together to support Victorian children to transition from kinder to prep.

17.01.2022 The exciting next stage at Monbulk College is another step closer, with builders appointed to construct the Science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, trade and home economics building pictured here! In the fourth and final stage of the upgrade project, we will also build a fantastic sports pavilion with change rooms that can be used by the broader community. These projects are part of more than $28 million worth of upgrades and investments underway at Monbulk College to give local families the state-of-the-art secondary school they deserve.

16.01.2022 The biggest school building budget in our state's history!

16.01.2022 It’s great to be back on the road looking at all of the work that was undertaken at our schools over the past 6 months. Today I stopped by Ringwood Secondary College with Dustin Halse MP to officially open their new senior learning centre. But we know there is more work to be done at this school and that is why we will also invest a further $14.7 million to deliver stage 3 of the school’s master plan to construct a new Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) building, as well as a new canteen!

16.01.2022 Today was the last day of school for 2020! As a parent, and as the Minister for Education, I want to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our educators in Victoria. This year has been one of our toughest. And you have been simply outstanding, resilient, innovative and empathetic. You have guided our children through a time that none of us could have imagined at the start of the year. ... I could not be prouder of the profession. It has been a true partnership as we collectively tackled the hardest year in our lives. It has been a pleasure working with our principal organisations, Catholic Education Melbourne, Independent Schools Victoria, Australian Education Union Victoria and the IEU - Independent Education Union Victoria Tasmania. Thank you again for everything you have done this year. Our children and our state are better off because of your amazing contribution. I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

16.01.2022 The $7.2 million upgrade of Monbulk Primary School is another step closer with a builder now appointed to the project. Harris HMC Constructions will work to deliver a library, grade 5 and 6 building, an administration building as well as two competition-grade netball courts and cricket nets which can be used outside of school hours in partnership with the local community. When finished, this upgrade will provide high-quality learning facilities that Monbulk deserves. I’d like to thank Kosloff Architecture for these designs and their hard work on the project so far. Construction will be carried out under COVID-19 advice guidelines to ensure the health and safety of the school community and the team working at the site. To keep up to date and find out more, visit https://go.vic.gov.au/YEN9XA

15.01.2022 I am both humbled and excited to take on the portfolio of mental health alongside my education responsibilities. Rebuilding our mental health system is one of our most important priorities. The Andrews Government commissioned the historic Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. And when it hands down its report early next year, we will accept all of its recommendations. We need to overhaul our broken mental health system. ... I am very proud to be carrying on this important work from Martin Foley MP, leading the reforms that will impact the lives of millions of Victorians and save lives. I am also handing over the portfolio of early childhood education to Ingrid Stitt MP who I know will do an amazing job. I have enjoyed working with our exceptional early childhood teachers and educators over the last couple of years. They truly give our children the best start in life. Thank you! The rollout of universal three-year-old kinder is a once-in-a-generation policy and I look forward to its continued expansion across Victoria.

15.01.2022 Today we announced the biggest boost to public and community housing in our state’s history It’s a massive $5.3 billion plan to construct more than 12,000 new homes across the state creating around 10,000 jobs to kickstart our economic recovery. Many priority applicants currently on the Victorian Housing Register are living with a mental illness.... Stable housing is an essential in both preventing, and recovering, from mental health issues. That’s why this initiative will ensure that Victorians living with a mental illness can secure a place to call home. Of these new homes, 2,000 will be for Victorians living with mental illness, reflecting our commitment to mental health and fixing a broken system. It’s a huge plan but it’s critical and it will change lives.

15.01.2022 This morning I was delighted to drop into Kallista Primary School to give the kids some fantastic news... We will resurface the lower basketball courts and provide a much needed cover to protect the students from the elements. I’d like to thank Principal Christine Finnegan for her advocacy and vision for this project. The kids were very excited what a great way to start the day!

15.01.2022 Here's the latest on the Manchester Road Level Crossing Removal Project! The Mooroolbark Station commuter car park will close from 21 August until 2022, so that works can continue to remove the level crossing and construct a new multi-deck car park with double the number of commuter car spaces. An impressive temporary car park is located at the reserve on Cardigan and Hull Roads.... For more information go to: https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au//mooroolbark-st/_nocache

14.01.2022 Now is the time to get our kids outdoors and active again. Yesterday my kids had their first softball training session in so long and they absolutely loved it! After the best part of six months at home, we need all our kids back playing sport. It’s important not only for their physical health but their mental health as well.... That’s why today we announced a $45m package of measures to get our kids active and cut costs for families. It includes vouchers for families to spend on sport clubs fees, uniforms and equipment; grants for schools to engage local sports clubs to hold before and after school activities or to purchase equipment; and for physical education experts to visit our schools. These programs roll out early next year. It’s a big package, but we all know how important keeping active is. Hopefully now we can enjoy the outdoors and sunshine a bit more!

13.01.2022 When school resumes in regional Victoria in term 4, so will school camps. It is great news for everyone in regional Victoria. We all know the benefits of schools camps. Students have fun, learn about teamwork and build resilience and confidence. It is also significant boost for regional economies where the majority of 190 camps are located. School camps contribute around $134 million to regional economies each year and employ around 5,500 camp staff.... It will give all of students in regional Victoria something to look forward to. We all want to see a return to face-to-face teaching as soon as possible. But we just have to keep going and taking the safe and steady steps because what we are doing is working and we are seeing the numbers being driven down. For regional Victoria this is another step forward. And for Melbourne it gives us hope of what we can look forward to.

13.01.2022 Every one of us can think of that one special teacher who had a positive and powerful impact on our lives. On World Teachers’ Day, particularly in this year when they have been challenged like no other, we should all take a moment to say thank you to our wonderful teachers for everything they do. I love this clip...

13.01.2022 More than $388.8 million for improving facilities at 39 specialist schools right across the state! The biggest investment in specialist schools in Victoria’s history. The Education State is ensuring every child gets the support they need to thrive.

13.01.2022 More basketballers hit the court in Melbourne’s south-east corridor than anywhere else in the country! It is why the $130 million upgrade of the State Basketball Centre is so important. Whether it’s community sport or elite pathways - the centre of basketball in the Southern Hemisphere is right here in Wantirna! I visited the centre this week to announce the shortlist of four building companies to deliver the game-changing project.... The transformed State Basketball Centre will create a grassroots and high-performance hub featuring 16 indoor courts, professional training facilities for our WNBL and NBL teams and new administration spaces. Thank you to our partners in this exciting project: Basketball Victoria Knox Basketball Melbourne Boomers WNBL South East Melbourne Phoenix Knox City Council Basketball Australia

13.01.2022 Oberon High School will have a brand new home next year offering students exciting modern facilities at the new site in Armstrong Creek. Principal Tim McMahon toured the new school back in July to see the construction progress. And wow, it's looking fantastic! From the specialist areas for science, art and technology, through to the gymnasium I know the school community will get so much from these facilities. This is one of 14 new schools opening next year. I look forward... to seeing all of them finish taking shape in the lead-up to the 2021 school year, and sharing updates with you. Darren Cheeseman MP Christine Couzens MP See more

12.01.2022 For all you garden lovers out there, a very special project right here in the Dandenongs!

12.01.2022 Today is the first major VCE exam of the year - English - and I want to congratulate every VCE student for their hard work throughout this incredibly difficult year. Your commitment, dedication and resilience is not just a testament to yourself but the people around you your parents, carers and teachers who have supported you the whole way. You should all be incredibly proud of what you have achieved good luck.

12.01.2022 A great day for the Yarra Ranges! Our community has gained $2.5 million towards three projects from the Andrews Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund. The redevelopment and expansion of the sports pavilion at Kimberley Recreation Reserve in Chirnside Park, the redevelopment of Upwey Skatepark, and a new waste-to-energy project at the Coldstream Transfer Station all received funding.... Can’t wait to see these projects get underway! Harriet Shing MP Yarra Ranges Council

12.01.2022 50 days straight. It’s called leadership. At a time when our state needs it most.

10.01.2022 Early works are now underway to build a new multi-deck car park that will double the number of spaces for commuters at Mooroolbark Station by adding 450 new and upgraded spaces. The multi-deck car park will feature lifts to improve accessibility, CCTV and better lighting for commuters’ safety, with community feedback helping to refine the design to suit locals’ needs. The existing Mooroolbark Station commuter car park is now closed, and a temporary car park on the Cardigan Ro...ad reserve is open until the new multi-deck car park opens in 2022. For regular updates, please visit https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au//manchester-road-moorool

10.01.2022 Today I joined Christine Couzens MP and Darren Cheeseman MP to tour the new Oberon High School - ready for for students on day one, 2021! It has been quite a unique journey for this terrific school. From early discussions a number of years ago to the momentous decision to relocate everyone - leadership, staff and students - from their current location to brand new facilities in the growing community of Armstrong Creek. A great outcome for everyone. I want to express my thanks and gratitude to the leadership of Principal Tim McMahon, the broader school community and local members Christine and Darren in making this special project a reality.

09.01.2022 A lot of people have raised the issue of school photos with me. I know it is an important part of school each year. And as a parent I also know it’s great to look back on the photos in the years to come. That’s why part of yesterday’s announcement from the Premier was that school photos can commence again!... In regional Victoria these can take place both inside and outside In metro areas photos must be taken outdoors. Obviously masks can be removed for the photo!

09.01.2022 Today is World Mental Health Day, a chance to reflect on your own mental health and wellbeing. If you are struggling with your mental health there are many excellent organisations ready to support you. There is no ‘one size fits all’ model for these services so if accessing support for the first time or maybe didn’t find the right fit previously, don’t let that stop you from reaching out again. ... Looking for a place to start? https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/mental-health-resources-coronav

08.01.2022 We’re putting the mental health of Victorians first. And that means making sure we have the best possible mental health workers to support people’s journey to recovery. Thats why the Budget includes funding for more than 160 additional mental health workers!

08.01.2022 Check out this fantastic fly over video of the final design for the Manchester Road Mooroolbark Level Crossing Removal Project! The new station will feature iconic clock-towers, lifts, better disability access, lighting and CCTV. Canopies covering three-quarters of the station platform will provide shelter from the elements. A new multi-deck car park will double commuter car parking, and an art installation to celebrate local history will be located in the Mooroolbark Statio...n bus interchange. Work will ramp up at both sites over summer, as crews begin major construction. To enable these works, buses are replacing trains between Ringwood and Lilydale until 20 December and from 9-18 February. There will also be some local road closures and traffic detours in place. To view the final designs and find more information about disruptions, visit https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au//manchester-road-moorool

08.01.2022 We’ve been digging up the past and unearthing the rich local history at Mooroolbark! In July, together with a team of archaeologists, we uncovered the remnants of the Station Master’s House at Mooroolbark Station, which dates back to 1887. The dig will help capture the area’s local history before we start major construction to remove the Manchester Road level crossing and build a new, modern Mooroolbark Station.... Watch and see what we found.

07.01.2022 The parents of year 12 students know how tough this year is. That’s why the support we have announced is so important.

07.01.2022 The Yellingbo Conservation Area and the protection of our State Bird Emblem, the Helmeted Honeyeater, is an environment project of state and national significance. I recently met with Alan, Gaye and Mel from Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater Inc. on site to discuss the recent budget announcement of $10.10m to expand this critically important work and deliver on the recommendations of the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) report. A huge thank you to Alan, Gaye, Mel and all of the volunteers at FOTHH for their hard work and advocacy!

07.01.2022 The rain held off long enough this morning for me to drop in to Billanook Primary School to share some fantastic news - $7.8M to upgrade and modernise the school as part of the upcoming budget! The Victorian School Building Authority will work with Principal Michael Puddy, Assistant Principal Paul Lowe and the School Council President Mark Watson to deliver this exciting project. I can’t wait to see the upgrade take shape!

07.01.2022 We’re exploring how to relocate part of the historic Mooroolbark Station building to a new home at the Yarra Valley Heritage Railway! The potential project will look to involve students from Box Hill Institute, Lilydale who will help restore the building to it’s former glory. A new and modern Mooroolbark Station will be built as part of the Manchester Road level crossing removal project, along with a new multi-deck car park. Find out more about the relocation plans :https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au//planning-a-new/_nocache

06.01.2022 I headed up to the Mallee today to visit Hopetoun P-12 College today with their local member Ali Cupper MP. As part of the recent budget, this terrific school has now received more than $10.5 million for a transformational upgrade and modernisation. It was great to hear directly from staff and students about their plans for the upgrade and how significant it will be for the community.... The state budget is delivering more than $477 million for regional school upgrades - the biggest boost ever. Because all students deserve word class facilities. Well done to Ali and the school community for your strong advocacy on this important project.

06.01.2022 Yesterday I was delighted to visit Pinks Reserve in Kilsyth to launch the implementation of the masterplan and kick off works that will transform this fantastic sporting precinct. This project will provide an upgrade for every sport that is played there - football, basketball, netball, softball, cricket, table tennis and badminton, delivering in full the commitment we made at the last election. Within the month, works will start on the first two projects - upgrades for table ...tennis and softball. Well done to all the leaders, volunteers and players of our local clubs for their input to the masterplan, can’t wait to see this fantastic project take shape! Kilsyth Basketball Kilsyth Football Club Kilsyth Cricket Club Lilydale & Yarra Valley Netball Mountain District Badminton Association Inc Lilydale Ejays Softball Club

05.01.2022 Delighted to visit Lilydale High School, Lilydale Heights College and Upper Yarra Secondary College with Harriet Shing MP today to announce a further $23.67 million for stage 3 of the Lilydale District and Upper Yarra Education Plan. We’re going to finish what we started at these fantastic Government secondary schools!

05.01.2022 Check out some of the fantastic photos taken recently at the Manchester Road Level Crossing Removal Project! You can keep up to date with the progress of the project at https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au//manchester-road-moorool.

05.01.2022 Yesterday I announced our plan to help bring our kids back up to speed by employing 4,100 tutors. It was a call to all our brilliant retired, pre-service, casual relief teachers and teachers on long-term leave to register their interest. Well this morning I woke up to 7,800 registrations in less than 24 hours!... It says a lot about our fantastic educators and their commitment to our kids!

05.01.2022 2020 has been a tough year for parents. We’ve all had to juggle work, remote learning and caring for our kids. So in 2021 we’re making things a little bit easier.... We will provide free kinder, saving families around $2,000 for every child enrolled in a funded kindergarten program and we will expand the availability of outside of school hours care. It’s a $250 million investment that cuts costs for families and helps get more parents, particularly women, back to work or to increase their hours. It’s just one of the ways the Andrew Government is making life easier for families as we get back to Covid-19 normal.

05.01.2022 Today we announced the single biggest boost in individualised learning support for students in our state’s history. This $250 million package will see 4,100 tutors employed across our schools to support students who struggled with remote learning. My message to retired teachers, casual relief teachers, teachers on long-term leave and pre-service teachers is: we want you and our kids need you. Please go to www.education.vic.gov.au to express your interest. My message to famil...ies is: if your child has fallen behind we will bring them back up to speed. Many students have thrived during remote learning, but many have also struggled. And it is up to us to give them the support they need. The package will support more than 200,000 students across the state. This is a one in one hundred year pandemic and we are responding in an unprecedented way. Our teachers have done a remarkable job this year, and with the additional support of on-site tutors, these teaching teams will provide every student the support they need throughout 2021.

05.01.2022 Delighted to meet with St. Richard’s Primary School Principal, Marcus Gill and school captains Maggie and Nevin this week to announce that St Richard’s will receive $1.6m as one of more than 50 projects under the Non-Government Schools Capital Fund. The project will involve a refurbishment of the current learning areas which will include more open and flexible learning spaces with new amenities. The main entry to the school will also be reconstructed to provide a warm and we...lcoming space as members of the school and wider community enter the school. The 56 Non-Government School projects will create close to 800 jobs during construction, and follows more than $1.18 billion for new schools, upgrades and expansions of government schools announced in May. Additional funding for this second round of the Non-Government Schools Capital Fund has been brought forward to help stimulate the economy and create jobs. The successful schools will be able to start their projects within the next six months driving Victoria’s economic recovery from the pandemic, and the summer’s bushfires.

05.01.2022 Today I was delighted to join Steve McGhie MP for a tour of the new Eynesbury Primary School which will open its doors on day 1, term 1 2021. The school is the first in Eynesbury and it will be a wonderful hub for this community for years to come!

04.01.2022 Victorian students deserve high quality financial literacy, free from commercial interests that’s why we’re banning financial institutions from delivering school banking programs. For too long banks have been providing programs directly to schools. It’s inappropriate. Our schools should not be used as a place for big banks to market themselves to kids. ... Students, teachers and families have frequently raised concerns about the quality of education and financial literacy outcomes delivered through these programs. Concerns have also been repeatedly raised about banks using inappropriate tactics such luring children with prizes and incentives to develop trust and loyalty in banks at an inappropriate age. We are in the process, alongside financial experts, of developing quality resources for schools to improve students’ financial literacy. We want all kids to leave schools confident with money and have the skills they need in life. And that is exactly what we will deliver.

04.01.2022 Terrific news! We have a timeline for the return of ALL students to the classroom - providing certainty and a light at the end of the tunnel for what has been an extraordinary and difficult year. I was very pleased to announce that Year 7 students in metropolitan Melbourne will resume face-to-face learning from Monday 12 October, joining primary school, VCE and VCAL, and specialist school students. Year 7 is such an important milestone year as students start their secondary s...chooling journey - it’s great to have them back at school next week! Students in Years 8 to 10, around 164,000 students, will return from Monday 26 October. This staggered return is consistent with our approach throughout the pandemic and is based on the advice of the Victorian Chief Health Officer. The public health imperative is about managing increased movement across the community as restrictions ease. A return of Years 8 to 10 students from October 26 will provide time to enable monitoring of the impact of the first stage of students returning to school. And as senior students begin their exam preparations from early November, it will also be easier for schools to spread other students out across the school - an important protection against transmission of the virus. I know the past few months have been extremely difficult for everyone. But we are so close to getting these numbers low enough to ease further restrictions so please remember, if you are unwell get tested then stay home. As always, a massive thank you to all of our wonderful school staff, parents and carers and of course our students for everything you have done during these difficult times. You have played a significant role in the reason these coronavirus numbers are dropping.

04.01.2022 The competition grade gym at Montrose Primary School is taking shape! Check out these fantastic construction progress photos! Special thanks to Montrose Primary School Council President, Bree Kuffer, who has been sending through monthly positive updates reporting on the progress of the gym and celebrating the fantastic achievements of students. Thanks Bree!

03.01.2022 Very sad news. Facilities at Puckapunyal Primary School were destroyed in a fire today. Arrangements are already underway for the more than 250 students to attend Seymour College for the rest of the year. Supports are being put in place for both staff and students. It will be an extremely difficult time for staff and students and the broader community. But we will rebuild impacted buildings as quickly as we can.

03.01.2022 Earlier this year I travelled to Shepparton to mark the start of construction at the new Greater Shepparton Secondary College. From turning the first sod in February to seeing the transformation alongside Suzanna Sheed Independent MP for the District of Shepparton and STEM Ambassador Tien Kieu MP today was absolutely incredible. It’s a truly great local project, giving students in Shepparton and Mooroopna the exceptional facilities they deserve. Importantly, it’s also delivering a significant economic boost to the region. 90 per cent of builder Hansen Yunken’s on-site workers are local and three quarters of the other contractors are from Greater Shepparton!

02.01.2022 This has been a year like no other for our VCE students. But they’ve made it! Today the final VCE exam was held. I could not be prouder of how every student, their families and their schools have responded to this challenging year. Now an exciting new life beyond the school gates awaits them. Well done and good luck!

01.01.2022 We loaned 71,000 devices during lockdown to kids that wouldn’t have been able to learn without them. Well, in tomorrow’s budget we will announce that all of those kids can keep them permanently! The budget will include $24.5 million to reimburse schools to replace the devices.

01.01.2022 For the first time in a long time I was able to hit the road and visit some of our many construction sites. And work certainly hasn’t stopped. I joined Nick Staikos MP for a tour of the construction site for the new campus of McKinnon Secondary College which will cater for an additional 1100 students. It’s a massive project that will be one of seven vertical government schools in Victoria.... I also toured the construction site for the new campus at Fitzroy Gasworks with Richard Wynne MP. It is also a vertical school, but will act as a senior school for Collingwood College and Fitzroy High School once it is complete. And in my first official event as Mental Health Minister alongside Sheena Watt MP I was able to turn the sod of a new $11.9 million Youth Prevention and Recovery Care centre, bringing community-based treatment one step closer for young people with mental illness. It’s great to be able to get out and see all of the work that has been underway over the past six months and see more projects just beginning!