Warragul Regional College election pledge
Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood announced $7 million to redevelop his former high school, Warragul Regional College
$7m election pledge for school revamp
Warragul & Drouin Gazette
October 28, 2014
The toilet block used by Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood when he was a year 12 student 45 years ago will be part of a $7 million upgrade at Warragul Regional College.
The funds are dependent on re-election of the Napthine government but Mr Blackwood yesterday announced $7 million to redevelop the former Warragul High Schools wings of the college, that have to date only had a "few coats of paint."
Mr Blackwood said he had worked closely with principal Rob Juratowitch and the school council for the past five years to secure funding for the outdated school buildings.
"One of the areas to be upgraded is the old toilet block which hasn't had any work since I did year 12 here in 1969. Apart from a few coats of paint on the buildings, the school needs to be upgraded."
Mr Blackwood said he had identified funding for the college as a number one election issue for Warragul.” He said this election commitment recognised the dedication of teachers and students who had been working in a tired and outdated learning environment.
"An upgrade of the Warragul Regional College is long overdue and the commitment I announce today will help address many issues associated with ageing infrastructure and provide students and teachers with more modern facilities," said Mr Blackwood.
"A re-elected Victorian Coalition Government will work closely with the school to ensure that upgrades reflect the specific needs of the Warragul Regional College school community," he said.
Mr Juratowich acknowledged Mr Blackwood for his support for the project. He said Mr Blackwood had a long association with the college as a former student. His daughter now teaches at the school and his wife is involved with the chaplaincy committee.
Mr Juratowich said the $7 million would be used to develop a masterplan for redevelopment of most of the school site, but the first two areas to be upgraded would be the A and B wings, which were the former high school buildings.
He said a recent maintenance audit undertaken by the Education Department acknowledged the desperate need for works. He said while the buildings were deemed safe, they were outdated and "do not fit the purposes of modern education."
Mr Juratowich said that aside from increasing the aesthetic appeal, the works would ensure the building met 21st century education needs. The buildings currently include science, home economics, kitchens, textiles and general education classrooms, which Mr Juratowich said did not cater for modern teaching needs.
He said the masterplan also would take into account any redevelopment and expansion needs to meet a growing population. "We are hoping that regardless of the election result, both parties will commit to this project," he said.
School council vice-president Meredith Davey welcomed the funds, saying the school council had been supporting the principal's team to get better infrastructure. "We have a lot of pride in this school for what it achieves given the very dated and poor conditions. We have good staff and great kids and these funds will ensure a better future," she said.
