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STUDENTS at the Bendigo Special Developmental School will have greater access to sporting facilities thanks to funding from the state government.
The Bendigo school on Friday received $303,125 through the Minor Capital Works Fund. The school was one of 12 central Victorian schools to receive a share of more than $3.55 million in funding.
Bendigo Special Developmental School assistant principal Kirsty Phillips said the money would go towards upgrading the school's outdoor sports hub, including a new bike track and a synthetic multipurpose court.
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"We put in an application for a grant but hadn't heard anything," Ms Phillips said. "It was a huge surprise.
"When we put in the application, we thought let's go big and see what we get. We feel lucky because we now have more than $300,000."
Ms Phillips said the sporting surfaces were currently not safe or accessible for students with wheelchairs. She said the new spaces would allow students of all abilities to participate in sport and activities.
"This will give the kids same opportunities as their peers in other schools to practise team sport," Ms Phillips said. "It will be great to facilitate that in the school. It hasn't always been possible."
Ms Phillips said the school would also be able to extend its health and physical education programs.
"This will make a huge difference," she said. "It's really nice for us that this grant has recognised the importance of these sporting facilities."
Bendigo South East College, Big Hill Primary School, Camp Hill Primary School, and Castlemaine North Primary School were among the central Victorian schools to receive funding on Friday.
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The funding announcement came after several schools in the region received funding for major upgrades as part of the 2020-21 state budget.
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said the money from the Minor Capital Works Fund would be vital to Bendigo's economic COVID-19 recovery.
"Every student should have a great school, no matter where they live," she said.
"That's why we're investing in hundreds of small but important projects that will make a big difference for schools and create jobs for Victorians."
Member for Bendigo West Edwards said the upgrades would improve learning outcomes for the region's children.
"We are making sure that students across Bendigo have access to the best school facilities and a great education," she said.
"Whether it is upgrading toilets or building a new fence - this is all about making sure our students have the facilities they need."
Earlier
TWELVE central Victorian schools have received funding for minor upgrades.
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards on Friday announced more than $3.55 million would go to the schools through the Minor Capital Works Fund.
The state government allocated:
- $303,125 to the Bendigo Special Developmental School to upgrade the outdoor sports hub
- $472,125 to Bendigo South East 7-10 Secondary College to upgrade the stadium flooring
- $500,000 to Big Hill Primary School to refurbish the toilet block
- $63,120 to Eaglehawk North Primary School to upgrade the playground
- $70,412 to White Hills Primary School to upgrade toilet facilities
- $172,165 to Camp Hill Primary School to create a sensory garden
- $454,125 to Campbells Creek Primary School playground upgrade
- $461,125 to Castlemaine North Primary School playground upgrade
- $15,120 to Harcourt Valley Primary School for exterior building works
- $455,665 to Kangaroo Flat Primary School toilets refurbishments
- $285,120 to Lockwood Primary School toilets refurbishments
- $307,125 to Specimen Hill Primary School for exterior building works
The projects were expected to start from early 2021.
Ms Allan said the funding would be vital to Bendigo's economic recovery.
"Every student should have a great school, no matter where they live," she said.
"That's why we're investing in hundreds of small but important projects that will make a big difference for schools and create jobs for Victorians."
Ms Edwards said the upgrades would improve learning outcomes for the region's children.
"We are making sure that students across Bendigo have access to the best school facilities and a great education," she said.
"Whether it is upgrading toilets or building a new fence - this is all about making sure our students have the facilities they need."
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