SIX years after the Timboon P-12 School was evacuated and shut down following the discovery of asbestos a brand new building was officially opened on Friday.
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Corangamite Shire mayor Neil Trotter, a past student, opened the new senior school building, which includes 11 classrooms and integrated learning areas.
In 2013 students were ushered out due to safety concerns when exposed asbestos and peeling paint that could have been lead-based were found.
The school lobbied the government for funding for upgrades and received $5.2 million for the new building, upgraded woodwork centre and primary school refurbishments.
Cr Trotter said he completed all of his education at the school.
"I went from prep through to year 12," he said.
"I think my former teachers would be pretty bemused to see me standing here.
"Education is a doorway to a fulfilling life. Plans for this long-awaited facility commenced over 110 years ago.
"The community has lobbied tirelessly for this to happen."
Cr Trotter said the new building was "fit for purpose and the finished product was thoughtful and considered".
"The transformation has resulted in a great space for learning and education," he said.
Principal Davin Reid said school council member and builder Brett Wallace had been a driving force behind the new building and refurbishments.
"He stretched the $5 million as far as it could go," he said.
He said it had been a long process to complete the works.
"We are very proud," he said.
Former principal Rosalie Moorfield, who lead the school at the time of the shutdown and through building works, spoke at the opening.
She told the large crowd about the history of the school.
It opened in 1948 and was built for 50,000 pounds.
More than 350 students attended when the school first opened.
Western Victoria MP Gayle Tierney was unable to open the school due to a bereavement in her family.
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