Students at Croxton Special School are set to benefit from a new permaculture food forest and outdoor sensory area, with the support of the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous MP, today joined the Croxton Special School community to officially open the incredible new Judy Dwyer Food Forest.

Initiated following the passing of much-loved staff member Judy Dwyer, this garden and outdoor learning centre will provide students with the opportunity to learn about healthy eating, develop important life skills and create pathways to employment.

Kat Theophanous today offered her thanks and congratulations to Principal Bev Fegan, and the whole school community, for their dedication and hard work in bringing this project to fruition.

Having worked closely with the school to progress this project, Kat Theophanous was pleased to secure a $10,000 grant in 2020 to help bringing this garden to life.

Works have also begun on a new outdoor sensory area which will create innovative, accessible outdoor play spaces for students as part of a $198,000 upgrade, delivered through the Andrews Labor Government’s Inclusive Schools Fund.

These exciting projects are soon to be followed by new learning spaces and a new kitchen education area thanks to an $8 million investment from the Andrews Labor Government. With the recent announcement of Peter Elliott Architects to design this upgrade and modernisation project, this is an exciting time for Croxton Special School.

Over the last two years, Ms Theophanous has secured over $70 million in funding for local schools across the Northcote Electorate.

Across Victoria, the Andrews Labor Government continues to invest in building the Education State with more than $9 billion in funding for school upgrades and swift progress on our commitment to deliver 100 new schools by 2026.

Quotes attributable to Kat Theophanous, Labor Member for Northcote

“Congratulation to Principal Bev Fegan and the whole school community for creating this wonderful food forest. This project is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together with shared values and a shared vision.”

“Quality, inclusive education is critical to ensuring all students have the best start in life. I look forward to working with all our local school to achieving this goal.”