WARRNAMBOOL and Brauer colleges are celebrating after receiving an $8.6 million cash boost which will give ageing and tired buildings a new lease on life.
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Wednesday’s state budget allocated $4 million to Brauer College and $4.6 million to Warrnambool College for “upgrade and modernisation” of buildings.
The funding is part of a $102 million school upgrade program which delivered cash to 93 schools across the state.
Principals David Clift and Jane Boyle said they were “surprised and stunned” when they learnt of the cash injection on Wednesday morning.
“It’s an unprecedented investment in state education in Warrnambool,” Mr Clift said.
“Both schools are in desperate need of a refresh and this money will allow us to renovate our building to create a more comfortable learning environment,” Mrs Boyle added.
Mr Clift said both schools were built in the same era and weren’t designed for 21st century learning.
“I know at Warrnambool College, and it’s similar at Brauer, only a few of the classrooms are air conditioned,” Mr Clift said.
“The boiler system for heating is 50-years-old and is unreliable. This money will help us create a comfortable environment for our students and allow our teachers to focus on teaching, rather than having to worry about facilities as well.
“It may also allow us to have a look at how we can think creatively to make better use of our existing facilities.”
The funding is on top of a previously announced $7 million for Portland Bay School, $1 million for Portland Primary School and $2 million for Portland Secondary College.
Western Victoria MP Gayle Tierney said the money would go towards go towards an upgrade to the schools’ ageing facilities, ensuring students have the modern spaces they need to learn.
“I know Brauer College and Warrnambool College are doing great work – and this funding of $4 million and $4.6 million respectively will help them become even better,” Ms Tierney said.
“I had the opportunity recently to visit both schools and meet with Jane Boyle and David Clift.
“I was fortunate to see a number of potential projects at both schools and can see the money will be well utilised.
“Both schools are a credit to their community and it is clear that the staff is doing an amazing job, but there needs to be some work done at both sites, and so I am sure the allocation will be well utilised and well received.”
