Families, educators and disability advocates across Melbourne’s west are calling on the state government to commit to building a new special development school (SDS), warning the region is facing a critical shortage of specialist school places.
Community leaders say existing schools are operating at or beyond their capacity, leaving many students with disabilities without access to appropriate, local and inclusive education.
Advocacy group Equality for Autism is currently calling for 10,000 signatures to secure a new special developmental school for Melbourne’s west.
“Every child deserves access to a safe, supportive, and well-resourced learning environment,” Equality for Autism chairperson and co-founder Jeff O’Donnell said.
“Right now, families in Melbourne’s west are being left behind. The lack of specialist school infrastructure is forcing students to travel long distances or miss out on the tailored support they need to thrive.”
According to advocates, Sunshine’s Special Development School has a capacity of 200, while Yarraville’s SDS has a capacity of 85 students
A new specialist school in Aintree was also opened by the state government in 2024.
Melton MP Steve McGhie said he supported the calls for new specialist schools.
“I am a strong advocate for a special development school in the west,” Mr McGhie said.
“I have advocated for one in Melton and I am sure it is being considered by government.”
Community representatives said the limited capacity is particularly concerning given rising diagnoses of severe to profound disabilities among children in the region.
Special development schools provide tailored programs for students with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities and complex needs. They offer specialised teaching, allied health support and purpose-built facilities designed to help students reach their full potential.
The campaign is calling on the state government to commit funding for a new SDS in Melbourne’s west, while also engaging with families and educators during the planning process in a bid to ensure the school is appropriately resourced to meet current and future demand.
Mr O’Donnell said the push was not politically motivated.
“We are not attacking the Victorian state government as this issue should be a bipartisan issue with everyone supporting this goal,” he said.
“Building a new special development school is not just an investment in infrastructure. It’s an investment in inclusion, equity, and the future of our community.”
A state government spokesperson said specialist schools across the west are benefiting from upgrades.
Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch said she supports the Equality for Autism group.
Petition: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/new-special-developmental-school-for-melbournes-west
