A new ‘preschool to postgraduate’ precinct is one step closer for Footscray.
A strategic advisory group has been appointed to work with educational experts and community groups to advise on developing the $15 million Footscray Learning Precinct.
The schools-based community learning model is said to be a national first. The 11-member group draws together early-childhood educators, Footscray City primary and secondary schools, Victoria University vice-chancellor Peter Dawkins, Maribyrnong council chief executive Stephen Wall and Footscray MP Marsha Thomson.
SKY High (Seddon Kingsville and Yarraville) lobby group president Melissa Horne and the Education Department are also on board.
Developing the new precinct involves relocating Footscray City College into the area adjoining Footscray City Primary School and VU’s Nicholson Street campus.
Education Minister James Merlino said the state government had allocated $1 million to the plan, which will create “a centre for learning excellence in the west”.
Ms Thomson said the precinct would stamp Footscray and the inner-west as a place of education, innovation and excellence.
A community engagement campaign will begin later this year.
