The revamp of Dinjerra Primary School will finally get under way following a $7.4 million allocation in the state government’s 2018-19 budget.
More than 500 parents and supporters last year signed a petition calling for extra funding after the Braybrook school was overlooked in that year’s budget, despite being identified as urgently in need of redevelopment.
The petition claimed the lack of funding was “a devastating blow to our school” and called on Education Minister James Merlino to come good with the urgent funding.
The $7.4 million included in Tuesday’s state budget paves the way for a builder to be appointed to start demolition of asbestos-riddled old buildings and sheds, refurbish the school library and build new administration and classroom buildings.
School principal Graeme Smith said the school was “very, very happy” to be seeing its 1960s-era buildings replaced.
“Our two old buildings are being held together by ticky-tack and paint,” he said.
“It’s very hard to teach a 21st century education in buildings built for the 1960s.”
Mr Smith said the redesign was ready and waiting and demolition could begin in the second half of this year.
Mr Merlino said the funding was part of a $2.8 billion investment to upgrade existing schools and build 64 new schools.
Footscray MP Marsha Thomson said the upgrade would provide pupils with first-class classrooms.
“This rebuild will give local students access to a new-look library and modern classrooms in which to feel engaged, stimulated and encouraged to reach their potential,” she said.
