Ms THEOPHANOUS (Northcote): We are truly living in the Education State, and my electorate of Northcote is at the very centre of it. Across our suburbs we have now secured over $80 million for upgrades and improvements at every single local school—that is, new playgrounds, accessibility upgrades, shade sails, more classrooms, libraries, gyms, performing arts centres and specialist STEM facilities. This year through the state Labor budget we have been able to deliver even more. Westgarth Primary is getting an incredible $12.9 million for new classrooms and a full-sized gymnasium. Thornbury Primary will have brand new bathrooms with a $400 000 grant to make sure these young students have facilities that are clean, modern, safe and inclusive. Northcote High is adding to its exciting modernisation with an additional $8.7 million to make its new STEM building absolutely state of the art, and Merri Creek Primary will have $5.35 million to deliver stage 2 of their master plan, including a new study building and a fantastic rooftop learning space with city views.

These investments are not just about bricks and mortar; they are transformational. They say to every student in this state, ‘You are our future. Your dreams matter. We’re investing in you’. And it does not matter where you come from or what your background is or where you live: if you are a Victorian kid, you get a great education. That is what this government is about. That is how we deliver for families through real, tangible things that make a difference to people’s lives. I am so proud about what we have achieved for local schools in Northcote.