Local educators have given evidence at the Parliament’s Upper House inquiry into the state education system in Bendigo today.
The MPs heard from a range of providers including the Virtual School Victoria; Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation; Kennington Primary School and Bendigo Deaf Facility; Weeroona College; and Bendigo South East Secondary College.
The Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said it was important that the inquiry held hearings in Bendigo as it was a growing regional city with specific educational needs.
“I thank my Nationals colleague Melina Bath and the committee members for holding a formal hearing in Bendigo.”
Ms Bath was instrumental in initiating the inquiry in Parliament and said she was pleased to hear from those at the forefront of education in Bendigo.
“It’s incredibly important that we hear from people on the ground who are dealing with these issues every day,” Ms Bath said.
“We thank them for their time and their generosity in sharing their experiences and insights.”
Ms Broad said local educators reported they were facing immense challenges including a lack of funding, teacher shortages, problems with teacher training, the ongoing effects of the COVID pandemic and students with special needs.
Ms Broad said she was concerned about progress on the Bendigo Education Plan 2018 – 2028.
“We have four busy secondary colleges and now Heathcote is calling out for a local college. Bendigo Senior Secondary College is the only public school for students in years 11 and 12 in Bendigo and is already close to capacity with around 1700 students.”
For the latest information on the inquiry visit Hearings (parliament.vic.gov.au)
Picture caption: Gaelle Broad MP (centre) with Committee chair Trung Luu and Nationals MP Melina Bath.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
