Benjamin Millar
Two inner-west schools and the iconic Williamstown Lifesaving Club are set for a makeover after scoring a funding boost in the latest state budget.
Handed down by Treasurer Tim Pallas last Thursday, the 2021-22 budget included $13.4 million to upgrade and modernise Block C at Footscray City Primary as part of the Footscray Education Plan.
Wembley Primary School in Yarraville will receive $10.2 million to upgrade and modernise the school’s main building.
This year’s budget also includes $11.35 million to upgrade and restore the Williamstown Life Saving Club and $1 million to upgrade change rooms, training and administration facilities at Downer Oval, home of the Williamstown Seagulls Football Club.
Inner-west commuters will benefit from a $94 million upgrade to the Melton and Wyndham Vale corridor, enabling higher capacity trains including nine-car VLocity trains to increase capacity by up to 50 per cent during peak periods.
The budget also includes $1.79 million in funding to support early diagnosis and treatment of childhood asthma to achieve better long‐term health outcomes in Melbourne’s inner‐west communities.
People impacted by family violence will receive improved support, with Sunshine court included in the expansion of the network of specialist family violence courts.
These courts are specially designed to make attending court a less daunting experience for victim-survivors, including separate entrances and exits, safe waiting areas and dedicated space for children.
Footscray MP Katie Hall said the state government is investing heavily in community care and creating new job opportunities for thousands of Victorians.
“Our government always puts caring for communities like Footscray at the heart of everything it does, she said.
“As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand the difference a great school can make. Our investments in education will make sure that no matter where they live, every child can be their best.”
Williamstown MP Melissa Horne said the quality of an education system is measured by the quality of its schools.
“That’s why I’m so excited that we’re delivering this upgrade to Wembley Primary School,” she said.
“Williamstown Lifesaving Club is at the heart of our local community – this upgrade will deliver a great community space that our volunteers need and deserve.”
