Hi, I’m Kat Theophanous - the Labor Member of Parliament for Northcote in the Victorian Legislative Assembly.
Hi, I’m Kat Theophanous - the Labor Member of Parliament for Northcote in the Victorian Legislative Assembly.
Investment: $12.97 million
Status: Completed
Westgarth Primary School has officially entered a new era with a $12.97 million investment from the State Labor Government delivering transformative upgrades for this much-loved local school.
This major redevelopment has brought a range of modern, high-quality facilities to the school, ensuring Westgarth students have the spaces and support they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
A standout feature of the upgrade is the brand-new competition-grade gymnasium, giving students access to a top-tier facility for sport, fitness and whole-school gatherings. Alongside it, a new classroom building has been constructed to support the school’s growing enrolments and commitment to collaborative, flexible learning.
The existing school hall has also been upgraded, with new learning spaces added to maximise its use and better meet the needs of both students and staff.
Fresh landscaping and a new outdoor undercover area have transformed the school grounds, providing more space for students to play, connect and learn in all weather. At the heart of the school, a beautifully designed central landscaped area and new hardcourt are creating a welcoming, functional space for the whole school community to enjoy.
I am immensely grateful for the support of hundreds of parts, carers and teachers who made countless contributions to this big push for funding and put forward a positive vision for Westgarth.
Together, we crafted a compelling budget submission, community petition and filmed an amazing student video. We took our case to the Minister, Treasurer and even the Premier.
Along the way, we also secured over $1.1 million for critical maintenance, accessibility and a new inclusive play space, another wonderful addition to this amazing school.
We’ve built something truly remarkable at Westgarth Primary - facilities that match the incredible teachers, students and community it’s a part of.
Investment: $166,000
Status: Inclusive Outdoor Playspace - Complete
Westgarth Primary has been successful in securing $166,000 for a brand new outdoor inclusive learning space as part of the Andrews Labor Governments competitive Inclusive Schools Fund.
When Principal Jo Wheeler came to me with the proposal for this new inclusive space – I was thrilled and keen to support the project however I could.
This grant will transform the front of the Brooke Street campus with new landscaping and playscapes that cater to students of all abilities. We know that sensory play, contemplative play, energetic and social play are all vital in improving learning outcomes for children – this new space will be a tremendous asset to the school.
But the journey is just beginning for Westgarth Primary School.
Since becoming the local MP, I have been fortunate to visit the school a number of times and have worked closely with Principal Wheeler and the School Council regarding Westgarth Primary’s immediate and longer-term needs.
Westgarth Primary is already an incredible school – with amazing teachers, educational and social programs as well as a supportive, close knit school community. But it also faces challenges due to aging facilities and would benefit from more contemporary and fit-for-purpose learning spaces.
That’s why I’ve been working alongside the school to raise awareness, build the case and put forward a proposal for more significant capital works.
Investment: $600,000
Status: Roof repairs - Complete
From the moment Principal Wheeler first alerted me to the leaks at the Brooke Street campus, I got to work securing the funding to get the roof fixed.
On their behalf I met with the Minister for Education as well as the Department of Education and the School Building Authority to get things moving. I was very pleased to secure $450,165 grant to deliver these much needed repairs.
This grant builds on the $150,000 in emergency maintenance funding we secured for Westgarth Primary earlier in the year.
In an important project milestone, Caisson Design Group have now been appointed to design the roof replacement and Advance Management have been appointed as builders to deliver the works.
I want to take a moment to thank Principal Wheeler and outgoing School Council President Allison Cox for all their hard work to date.
Together, in a very short space of time, we have been able to secure over $1.1 million in funding for Westgarth Primary across programs including Minor Capital Works, Maintenance, Accessible Buildings and most recently Inclusive Schools.
I am looking forward to seeing these extensive upgrades get underway and deliver improved facilities for our Westgarth Primary students.
These are terrific steps on the road to modernising Westgarth Primary, made possible by working collaboratively and constructively towards our shared goals.
The next step with Westgarth Primary is a strategy to help secure more extensive capital works. I’ve already written to the Minister for Education and I’ll keep working with the school community to make it happen.
