Federal Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker, has joined with local schools to celebrate the completion of new and upgraded facilities and equipment at schools across the region that were funded through the Albanese Government’s School Upgrade Fund.

The Government’s School Upgrade Fund has delivered a total of almost $260,000 in local projects across the federal electorate of Corangamite.

Ms Coker committed funding to the schools prior to the 2022 Federal election. The completed projects include:

• New classroom IT equipment for Drysdale Primary School ($9,800).
• An undercover basketball court for Inverleigh Primary School ($170,000).
• Football oval fencing for Mirripoa Primary School ($40,000).
• Outdoor fitness equipment for Surf Coast Secondary ($39,210).

Ms Coker said the now completed projects will help deliver a better and fairer education for local students.

“The Albanese Labor Government is investing in public schools across our region, from the Bellarine to the Surf Coast, across Golden Plains and throughout the wider Geelong region,” Ms Coker said.

“I recently visited Inverleigh Primary School to test out their new undercover basketball court and dropped by Mirripoa Primary School to check out their new footy ground upgrade. From new laptops to upgraded outdoor sports equipment, this funding has delivered much-needed upgrades to local schools and is another important step in delivering on the Albanese Government’s commitments to build a better and fairer education system.”

“I’d like to congratulate all the local schools and their communities who advocated for these fantastic upgrades.”

Federal Minister for Education, Jason Clare, said the School Upgrade Fund is ensuring students across the nation have access to quality infrastructure that will enhance their education.

“I want all students to get access to a quality education, including access to quality facilities to learn in and play on,” Minister Clare said.

“The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to invest in our schools and provide safer classrooms, playgrounds, and facilities.”

Applications for Round 2 of the SUF have recently closed and will provide $215.8 million in funding that will be targeted toward public schools with the greatest need to build or upgrade vital infrastructure. Grants of at least $250,000 can be used for large scale capital works such as new classrooms, building refurbishments and playgrounds. Government schools with a high number of students from low-socio economic backgrounds, First Nations students and those with disability will be prioritised.

The government will work with state and territory education departments to distribute project funding.