Kat Theophanous to ask the Minister for Education —
(1126) My adjournment is to the Minister for Education. The action that I seek is that the minister joins me in visiting Westgarth Primary School to officially open its newly completed competition-grade gymnasium and modern classrooms and meet some of the remarkable students, educators and families who helped shape this achievement.
Westgarth Primary has come a very long way since its foundation stone was laid by John Cain Sr on 12 March in 1924, 101 years ago. The original Clarke Street building was plagued by unstable ground and flooding that deteriorated the building over time. As a result, in the early 1970s the school expanded onto neighbouring Brooke Street, once known locally as Smith’s Paddock, where local children would play. The Clarke Street building was eventually demolished and a new cream brick building was built, serendipitously opened by John Cain Jr in 1992. Over the decades, across the two sites new classrooms, a kindergarten and a kitchen garden were added. Enrolments grew, as did Westgarth Primary’s reputation for excellence. Now, in a full-circle moment, a stunning new gym and classrooms rise on the very site of the original building, a powerful symbol of renewal. It is amazing to think how Westgarth Primary has transformed over time and how our Labor government has contributed to this next chapter of its story. This is a school of spirit and soul built not only from its bricks and mortar but from decades of community care, ambition and aspiration and a belief that every child deserves the best education no matter their background or where they live.
It has been one of my greatest honours to support Westgarth Primary through years of advocacy. There were setbacks and challenges, but we stood together, and we never gave up on our mission to grow support for this project, to secure the funds and to get it built. Now generations of Westgarth students will learn in light-filled, inspiring spaces. The ageing portables have been removed. Students will perform and play in their full-sized indoor gym, explore beautiful outdoor areas and collaborate in superb classrooms.
It was a special moment in 2022 when we announced nearly $13 million in funding for this major capital project. In fact every time I have fought for our local schools in the inner north, dreaming big and delivering vital improvements, it has been special, because these are not just physical upgrades; each project is a testament to our shared values. They represent our Labor government’s belief in our children, in our educators and in the enduring value of public education. That commitment is not abstract; it is in the tangible improvements we are making across infrastructure, curriculum, student wellbeing, workforce support and in helping families. That is what I will always fight for: more support, more resources, more projects and more initiatives that give students the chance to be nurtured and uplifted. Our upgrade to Westgarth Primary is part of that, and I know the school community would be honoured to welcome the minister to visit us. To the Westgarth Primary community: thank you. This is your achievement, and I could not be prouder to see how far you have come since that first foundation stone.
Answer - 13 June 2025
I am advised as follows:
A total of $12.97 million was allocated in the 2022–23 financial year to Westgarth Primary School to upgrade and modernise the school. The funding included the construction of a new classroom building and a competition-grade gymnasium, as part of a broader commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and student experience.
Stage 1 was completed on 9 April 2025 and involved the delivery of key new facilities to support both learning and physical education.
This stage included:
a new competition-grade gymnasium
a newly constructed learning building
an external play area
a multi-sports court.
These additions have significantly improved the school’s capacity to support student wellbeing, active play and contemporary teaching methods.
Stage 2 was completed on 2 May 2025 and comprised targeted refurbishment works within Block A including:
a fully renovated music room
refurbishment of an existing classroom.
An Occupancy Permit for these works was granted on 2 May 2025, marking the successful completion of this stage. The team is working hard to achieve Practical Completion, which is expected to be by 23 May 2025.
I thank the Member for Northcote for her invitation to visit Westgarth Primary School. I would be pleased to do so.
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Hon. Ben Carroll MP
Deputy Premier
Minister for Education
Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC
