The Allan Labor Government is delivering more kinders right across the state – helping parents ditch the dreaded double drop-off with 20 new or expanded kindergartens set to open their doors in Term 1, 2025.
Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence today announced that Kids First Australia will be the service provider who will deliver quality early learning programs for local families at Wallan Secondary College Kindergarten (interim name).
The 20 kinders will collectively deliver more than 2,600 kindergarten places for local children, giving more families access to a world-class kindergarten, close to home.
Thirteen providers will lead kindergarten and Pre-Prep programs at the kinders which are conveniently located at government schools to make life easier for busy families.
Locating kindergartens on or near schools helps children get the most out of their early learning, while also providing a smoother transition from kindergarten to school for children.
The Labor Government is investing billions to build and expand hundreds of kindergartens across the state, supporting the delivery of 15 hours of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten each week by 2029 and up to 30 hours of Pre-Prep each week by 2036.
Since 2019, the Labor Government has delivered 60 new and expanded kindergartens on school sites while also ensuring a kinder is delivered on site or next door to every government primary school built since 2021.
Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence MP:
“I know just how difficult the double drop off can for busy parents and families, which is why I’m so excited that Kids First Australia has been appointed as the service provider for Wallan Secondary College Kindergarten (interim name).”
“We’re now one step closer to delivering this brand-new state of the art kindergarten in Wallan, and I know that once completed, many families will benefit from it.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn:
“Over 2,600 more Victorian children will start their kindergarten journey next year – and it’s all thanks to our record investment in early childhood education.”
“From a simpler drop-off to a smoother transition to primary school, there are many benefits to having kinders at schools – and I’m proud to be making kinder more convenient and accessible for busy families.”
The Allan Labor Government is delivering more kinders right across the state – helping parents ditch the dreaded double drop-off with 20 new or expanded kindergartens set to open their doors in Term 1, 2025.
Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence today announced that Kids First Australia will be the service provider who will deliver quality early learning programs for local families at Wallan Secondary College Kindergarten (interim name).
The 20 kinders will collectively deliver more than 2,600 kindergarten places for local children, giving more families access to a world-class kindergarten, close to home.
Thirteen providers will lead kindergarten and Pre-Prep programs at the kinders which are conveniently located at government schools to make life easier for busy families.
Locating kindergartens on or near schools helps children get the most out of their early learning, while also providing a smoother transition from kindergarten to school for children.
The Labor Government is investing billions to build and expand hundreds of kindergartens across the state, supporting the delivery of 15 hours of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten each week by 2029 and up to 30 hours of Pre-Prep each week by 2036.
Since 2019, the Labor Government has delivered 60 new and expanded kindergartens on school sites while also ensuring a kinder is delivered on site or next door to every government primary school built since 2021.
Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence MP:
“I know just how difficult the double drop off can for busy parents and families, which is why I’m so excited that Kids First Australia has been appointed as the service provider for Wallan Secondary College Kindergarten (interim name).”
“We’re now one step closer to delivering this brand-new state of the art kindergarten in Wallan, and I know that once completed, many families will benefit from it.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn:
“Over 2,600 more Victorian children will start their kindergarten journey next year – and it’s all thanks to our record investment in early childhood education.”
“From a simpler drop-off to a smoother transition to primary school, there are many benefits to having kinders at schools – and I’m proud to be making kinder more convenient and accessible for busy families.”
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (13:01): Congratulations to Craigieburn local Lucas Mamonitis for taking home the silver medal in taekwondo at the KPNP Malaysian international championships, where he was representing Australia. Lucas was up against 20 other competitors in the 37-to-41-kilogram, 12-to-14-year-old cadet division, where he won in the first round before taking on Thailand and Malaysia’s national champions in the second and third rounds, only narrowly missing out on the gold medal. These championships are huge, with over 2500 athletes competing from over 40 countries, so just making it to the championships is a huge achievement. Our community is proud of Lucas’s efforts and cannot wait to see what he achieves next.
There have been many more recent sporting achievements in my electorate, with several Wallan Secondary students attending the northern metropolitan secondary track and field finals last week. Congratulations to Levi Tolevski, who came first in the 3-kilometre event in his age group, and Hayley Waddell for her second javelin. Cooper Nunn had an outstanding day, coming first in triple jump, hurdles and long jump and second in high jump, while Zac Nunn came home with first in discus and hurdles, second in javelin and high jump and third in long jump.
Finally, congratulations to the Hume Anglican Grammar senior mixed hockey team, who once again triumphed as state champions, with a terrific 4–0 win against Notre Dame College for their third straight victory in the School Sport Victoria state championships. Well done to all our local sports champions and to everyone who participated. Go well in your future sporting endeavours.
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (13:01): Congratulations to Craigieburn local Lucas Mamonitis for taking home the silver medal in taekwondo at the KPNP Malaysian international championships, where he was representing Australia. Lucas was up against 20 other competitors in the 37-to-41-kilogram, 12-to-14-year-old cadet division, where he won in the first round before taking on Thailand and Malaysia’s national champions in the second and third rounds, only narrowly missing out on the gold medal. These championships are huge, with over 2500 athletes competing from over 40 countries, so just making it to the championships is a huge achievement. Our community is proud of Lucas’s efforts and cannot wait to see what he achieves next.
There have been many more recent sporting achievements in my electorate, with several Wallan Secondary students attending the northern metropolitan secondary track and field finals last week. Congratulations to Levi Tolevski, who came first in the 3-kilometre event in his age group, and Hayley Waddell for her second javelin. Cooper Nunn had an outstanding day, coming first in triple jump, hurdles and long jump and second in high jump, while Zac Nunn came home with first in discus and hurdles, second in javelin and high jump and third in long jump.
Finally, congratulations to the Hume Anglican Grammar senior mixed hockey team, who once again triumphed as state champions, with a terrific 4–0 win against Notre Dame College for their third straight victory in the School Sport Victoria state championships. Well done to all our local sports champions and to everyone who participated. Go well in your future sporting endeavours.
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (10:07): Earlier this month I was thrilled to announce that three terrific schools in my electorate will receive funding through the Catholic stream of the Allan Labor government’s Building Fund for Non-Government Schools.
Kolbe Catholic College is receiving $6 million for the construction of stage 2 of their Mickleham campus, which includes a learning neighbourhood, 16 general learning areas, a performing arts centre, five specialist learning spaces, multipurpose spaces, four modular general learning areas, landscaping and car parking. Holy Cross Catholic Primary School in Mickleham is also receiving $6 million, for the construction of a senior school learning building, which will include six general learning areas, flexible learning spaces, breakout areas and landscaping works. Oscar Romero Catholic Primary School in Craigieburn will receive $3.6 million for the construction of eight modular general learning areas and other associated works.
With more than one in three Victorian students studying at a Catholic or independent school, this program is incredibly important in ensuring that local students get the very best education possible in the best facilities.
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (10:07): Earlier this month I was thrilled to announce that three terrific schools in my electorate will receive funding through the Catholic stream of the Allan Labor government’s Building Fund for Non-Government Schools.
Kolbe Catholic College is receiving $6 million for the construction of stage 2 of their Mickleham campus, which includes a learning neighbourhood, 16 general learning areas, a performing arts centre, five specialist learning spaces, multipurpose spaces, four modular general learning areas, landscaping and car parking. Holy Cross Catholic Primary School in Mickleham is also receiving $6 million, for the construction of a senior school learning building, which will include six general learning areas, flexible learning spaces, breakout areas and landscaping works. Oscar Romero Catholic Primary School in Craigieburn will receive $3.6 million for the construction of eight modular general learning areas and other associated works.
With more than one in three Victorian students studying at a Catholic or independent school, this program is incredibly important in ensuring that local students get the very best education possible in the best facilities.
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (10:08): I was also excited to recently announce that the school breakfast clubs program will be expanded to another four schools in my community, including Gilgai Plains Primary School, Banum Warrik Primary School, Newbury Primary School and Yubup Primary School.
This important program is working to address the impact that disadvantage can have on a student’s education outcomes, which is why I was thrilled with this announcement that makes sure that no student starts the school day hungry. Families at these schools have really welcomed this news, and I look forward to the program.
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (10:08): I was also excited to recently announce that the school breakfast clubs program will be expanded to another four schools in my community, including Gilgai Plains Primary School, Banum Warrik Primary School, Newbury Primary School and Yubup Primary School.
This important program is working to address the impact that disadvantage can have on a student’s education outcomes, which is why I was thrilled with this announcement that makes sure that no student starts the school day hungry. Families at these schools have really welcomed this news, and I look forward to the program.
Craigieburn’s Clovelly Drive Playspace has been transformed thanks to a $160,000 investment from the Allan Labor Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.
Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence recently opened the $334,235 playspace, which was jointly funded and delivered in partnership with Hume City Council.
The Clovelly Drive Playspace has been renewed with new play equipment including swings, a rocker and carousel spinner, as well as climbing, balance and sliding play equipment.
Nature play elements with logs and rocks have been incorporated, along with picnic furniture, seating, footpaths and new trees and garden beds.
The project has improved the amenity and accessibility of the reserve, with family-friendly areas featuring interactive sensory play panels.
The Growing Suburbs Fund represents a $440 million Victorian Government investment over 10 years to provide critical local infrastructure.
The Victorian Budget 2024-25 provided an additional $5 million to continue the support for infrastructure needs for our fast-growing outer suburbs, with this latest funding round being administered by the Office for Suburban Development.
Since its establishment in 2015, the program has supported 360 projects representing a total infrastructure investment of $1.3 billion and has created over 11,340 jobs.
Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence MP:
“I know just how excited families in Craigieburn were about this playspace, and I’m thrilled they can now put it to good use.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Suburbs Sonya Kilkenny:
“We’re proud to invest in community wellbeing by building critical infrastructure and improved facilities for local families.”
“I’m delighted to announce the official opening of this important project in partnership with Hume City Council as we continue to build new and improved facilities in our fastest growing suburbs.”
Craigieburn’s Clovelly Drive Playspace has been transformed thanks to a $160,000 investment from the Allan Labor Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.
Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence recently opened the $334,235 playspace, which was jointly funded and delivered in partnership with Hume City Council.
The Clovelly Drive Playspace has been renewed with new play equipment including swings, a rocker and carousel spinner, as well as climbing, balance and sliding play equipment.
Nature play elements with logs and rocks have been incorporated, along with picnic furniture, seating, footpaths and new trees and garden beds.
The project has improved the amenity and accessibility of the reserve, with family-friendly areas featuring interactive sensory play panels.
The Growing Suburbs Fund represents a $440 million Victorian Government investment over 10 years to provide critical local infrastructure.
The Victorian Budget 2024-25 provided an additional $5 million to continue the support for infrastructure needs for our fast-growing outer suburbs, with this latest funding round being administered by the Office for Suburban Development.
Since its establishment in 2015, the program has supported 360 projects representing a total infrastructure investment of $1.3 billion and has created over 11,340 jobs.
Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence MP:
“I know just how excited families in Craigieburn were about this playspace, and I’m thrilled they can now put it to good use.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Suburbs Sonya Kilkenny:
“We’re proud to invest in community wellbeing by building critical infrastructure and improved facilities for local families.”
“I’m delighted to announce the official opening of this important project in partnership with Hume City Council as we continue to build new and improved facilities in our fastest growing suburbs.”
The Allan Labor Government is ensuring students across Victoria will continue to have access to world-class facilities after maintenance works are carried out at our schools.
Ros Spence MP recently announced that both Mount Ridley College and Willmott Park Primary School will both receive funding as part of the Planned Maintenance Program (PMP).
Mount Ridley College will receive $147,172 for the rebuild of two ramps, a partial rebuild of six ramps, and minor works at one other ramp which were identified through the Ramp Safety Audit.
While Willmott Park Primary School will receive $187,894 for the complete rebuild of five ramps which were also identified through the Ramp Safety Audit.
The Planned Maintenance Program provides funding to address high-priority maintenance issues across Victoria’s government school network.
It ensures schools can undertake essential work in classrooms and other school buildings such as fixing roofs and replacing windows, painting, and resurfacing floors, as well as some external works like improving pathways.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested $16.9 billion in building new schools and more than 2,200 school upgrades, creating around 26,000 jobs in construction and associated industries.
Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo, Ros Spence MP:
“I’m thrilled that both Mount Ridley College and Willmott Park Primary School will be receiving funding as part of this important program for these much-needed works.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing these ramps improved and rebuilt so that our students can continue to learn in a good environment.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll:
“This program is about ensuring that every Victorian school is kept up-to-date, so that every child can access a high-quality education in a high-quality environment.”
“We are constantly evaluating our schools and making sure every single classroom is safe,
engaging, and will complement the top-class education we are committed to providing.”
The Allan Labor Government is ensuring students across Victoria will continue to have access to world-class facilities after maintenance works are carried out at our schools.
Ros Spence MP recently announced that both Mount Ridley College and Willmott Park Primary School will both receive funding as part of the Planned Maintenance Program (PMP).
Mount Ridley College will receive $147,172 for the rebuild of two ramps, a partial rebuild of six ramps, and minor works at one other ramp which were identified through the Ramp Safety Audit.
While Willmott Park Primary School will receive $187,894 for the complete rebuild of five ramps which were also identified through the Ramp Safety Audit.
The Planned Maintenance Program provides funding to address high-priority maintenance issues across Victoria’s government school network.
It ensures schools can undertake essential work in classrooms and other school buildings such as fixing roofs and replacing windows, painting, and resurfacing floors, as well as some external works like improving pathways.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested $16.9 billion in building new schools and more than 2,200 school upgrades, creating around 26,000 jobs in construction and associated industries.
Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo, Ros Spence MP:
“I’m thrilled that both Mount Ridley College and Willmott Park Primary School will be receiving funding as part of this important program for these much-needed works.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing these ramps improved and rebuilt so that our students can continue to learn in a good environment.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll:
“This program is about ensuring that every Victorian school is kept up-to-date, so that every child can access a high-quality education in a high-quality environment.”
“We are constantly evaluating our schools and making sure every single classroom is safe,
engaging, and will complement the top-class education we are committed to providing.”
The Allan Labor Government is ensuring that every Victorian student can learn in the best facilities – with low-fee Catholic schools across the state to receive funding to upgrade classrooms and build new facilities.
Ros Spence MP recently announced Kolbe Catholic College, Oscar Romero Catholic Primary School, and Holy Cross Catholic Primary School are just three of the 65 Catholic schools across Victoria which will receive funding to expand and modernise existing facilities or build new schools.
Kolbe Catholic College will receive $6 million which will go towards the construction of stage two of their school’s campus in Mickleham including for a learning neighbourhood, sixteen general learning areas, a performing arts centre, five specialist learning spaces, multipurpose spaces, four modular general learning areas, other associated spaces, landscaping, and carparking.
Holy Cross Catholic Primary School in Mickleham will also benefit from this terrific program with a total of $6 million for the construction of a senior school learning building, which will include six general learning areas, flexible learning spaces, breakout areas, other associated spaces, and landscaping works.
Oscar Romeo Catholic Primary School in Craigieburn will also be receiving $3.6 million for the construction of eight modular general learning areas and other associated works.
These projects are being delivered through the Catholic stream of the Labor Government’s Building Fund for Non-Government Schools – which helps schools upgrade and expand their facilities, ensuring families have the best learning environments for their children.
Non-government schools are an important part of Victoria’s education system, with more than one-third of Victorian students studying at Catholic or independent schools.
Quote attributable to Member for Kalkallo, Ros Spence MP:
“I’m thrilled that three schools across our community have received funding as part of this terrific program.”
“I can’t wait to see families at Kolbe Catholic College, Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, and Oscar Romeo Catholic Primary School benefit from this funding and the brand-new facilities it will deliver.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll
“Thousands of Victorian kids go to a low-fee Catholic school every day – and we’re making sure those kids are learning in the best environments.”
“We’re supporting our low-fee Catholic schools to expand, build new classrooms and open new campuses.”
The Allan Labor Government is ensuring that every Victorian student can learn in the best facilities – with low-fee Catholic schools across the state to receive funding to upgrade classrooms and build new facilities.
Ros Spence MP recently announced Kolbe Catholic College, Oscar Romero Catholic Primary School, and Holy Cross Catholic Primary School are just three of the 65 Catholic schools across Victoria which will receive funding to expand and modernise existing facilities or build new schools.
Kolbe Catholic College will receive $6 million which will go towards the construction of stage two of their school’s campus in Mickleham including for a learning neighbourhood, sixteen general learning areas, a performing arts centre, five specialist learning spaces, multipurpose spaces, four modular general learning areas, other associated spaces, landscaping, and carparking.
Holy Cross Catholic Primary School in Mickleham will also benefit from this terrific program with a total of $6 million for the construction of a senior school learning building, which will include six general learning areas, flexible learning spaces, breakout areas, other associated spaces, and landscaping works.
Oscar Romeo Catholic Primary School in Craigieburn will also be receiving $3.6 million for the construction of eight modular general learning areas and other associated works.
These projects are being delivered through the Catholic stream of the Labor Government’s Building Fund for Non-Government Schools – which helps schools upgrade and expand their facilities, ensuring families have the best learning environments for their children.
Non-government schools are an important part of Victoria’s education system, with more than one-third of Victorian students studying at Catholic or independent schools.
Quote attributable to Member for Kalkallo, Ros Spence MP:
“I’m thrilled that three schools across our community have received funding as part of this terrific program.”
“I can’t wait to see families at Kolbe Catholic College, Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, and Oscar Romeo Catholic Primary School benefit from this funding and the brand-new facilities it will deliver.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll
“Thousands of Victorian kids go to a low-fee Catholic school every day – and we’re making sure those kids are learning in the best environments.”
“We’re supporting our low-fee Catholic schools to expand, build new classrooms and open new campuses.”
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (09:43): Earlier this month I had the opportunity to visit two fantastic local businesses in Mickleham which have been doing a great job in their very first year.
Late last year I visited Evaryde ice cream for the first time. It was great to check in and see how everything was tracking. Anil, Neelama, Jidin and Saumya are rightly proud of their business with all the ice cream and frozen treats made fresh in-house and heaps of delicious flavours to choose from. They are doing an outstanding job, being the first store of their kind in Mickleham, and I look forward to watching them grow.
I also had the chance to pop into Genesis Health & Fitness to meet with co-owner Michael and see some of the fantastic facilities they have on offer for locals. Michael gave me a tour of the gym where it was clear just how busy and in demand their services are, and I also got a chance to see the next stage of works, which includes a dedicated gym area for women, which will no doubt be very popular.
Later that day I hosted a small business round table with the Minister for Small Business where we had the opportunity to hear from local businesses about some of their experiences, as well as talk about some of the supports and grants that are available to them through Business Victoria. Following that meeting those business owners have already set up a traders association, and I wish them all the best.
Thank you to both Anil at Evaryde ice cream and Michael at Genesis Health & Fitness for inviting me to visit them, along with Avtar and all the small business owners who attended the round table. I am looking forward to working with all of you.
Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (09:43): Earlier this month I had the opportunity to visit two fantastic local businesses in Mickleham which have been doing a great job in their very first year.
Late last year I visited Evaryde ice cream for the first time. It was great to check in and see how everything was tracking. Anil, Neelama, Jidin and Saumya are rightly proud of their business with all the ice cream and frozen treats made fresh in-house and heaps of delicious flavours to choose from. They are doing an outstanding job, being the first store of their kind in Mickleham, and I look forward to watching them grow.
I also had the chance to pop into Genesis Health & Fitness to meet with co-owner Michael and see some of the fantastic facilities they have on offer for locals. Michael gave me a tour of the gym where it was clear just how busy and in demand their services are, and I also got a chance to see the next stage of works, which includes a dedicated gym area for women, which will no doubt be very popular.
Later that day I hosted a small business round table with the Minister for Small Business where we had the opportunity to hear from local businesses about some of their experiences, as well as talk about some of the supports and grants that are available to them through Business Victoria. Following that meeting those business owners have already set up a traders association, and I wish them all the best.
Thank you to both Anil at Evaryde ice cream and Michael at Genesis Health & Fitness for inviting me to visit them, along with Avtar and all the small business owners who attended the round table. I am looking forward to working with all of you.