The federal Education Department announced on April 17, 2024, $45 million for funding to build or upgrade infrastructure at 67 state public schools.

Each school will receive at least $250,000 with the largest amounts - $1.5 million - allocated to Cobden Primary School and George Street Primary School in Hamilton.

The Cobden school's toilets will be refurbished and replaced, while Hamilton's will be upgraded and made more accessible.

The money will also fund the supply and installation of fencing around the George Street school oval and replace one of its playgrounds.

Portland Bay School was also successful in the latest round, receiving $1.3 million to refurbish and convert the existing industrial laundry and storage area to a working manual activities/art classroom.

Cobden Primary School principal Jarod Bacon welcomed the funding announcement.

"We are very excited to receive the $1.5 million grant to upgrade our student toilet block," he said.

"Our current student toilet block was built in the 70's and is now in need of renewal. With the new works we will be looking to demolish and construct a brand-new student toilet block ensuring that our facilities are accessible, inclusive and safe for all of our students."

Public schools with the greatest need were prioritised, including schools with high numbers of students from a low-socio economic background, First Nations students, and students with disability.

Round two of the Schools Upgrade Fund was open to all public schools and applications closed in February.

Schools submitted their projects to their relevant state and territory education departments which made recommendations to the federal government.

Victorian Minister for Education Ben Carroll said all students across the state deserved to have the best possible start in life.

"We've invested billions into upgrading thousands of schools across Victoria and it's great to have a partner in Canberra now doing the same - helping ensure our schools have the infrastructure they need to help students succeed," he said.