Nine Catholic school communities across the diocese of Ballarat will benefit from funding for new and upgraded facilities announced by the Allan State Government today.

Catholic Education Ballarat Executive Director Tom Sexton says the funding will assist the schools to deliver high-quality learning environments for students and teachers into the future.

‘Diocese of Ballarat Catholic schools educate more than 18,500 or 20+% of students across Western Victoria.

‘Our schools keep fees as low as possible and welcome families from all backgrounds,’ he said.

‘This state government funding is most welcome and supports parent (approximately 80%) and commonwealth government contributions to assist with capital works to ensure our schools can provide first-class facilities in communities across Western Victoria.

Mr Sexton says demand for Catholic education continues to grow in most communities across the diocese.

‘Research shows families value the holistic approach to education taken by our schools, where opportunities for students to flourish and grow spiritually, academically, physically, culturally, socially, and emotionally are offered.

‘Families from diverse cultural and faith backgrounds are also joining our school communities in increasing numbers, where they are warmly welcomed.

‘We are pleased to work in partnership with the Allan State Government to provide first-class education facilities for students, staff and families across Western Victoria,’ Tom Sexton said.

There are 52 Catholic primary schools and 11 secondary colleges across the Diocese of Ballarat, from Mildura in the north, Portland in the south, and west to Edenhope and Nhill.

State Government capital grants announced today are:

• New Catholic Primary School (Winter Valley) Funding will help build the first stage of a new primary school set to open in 2028. This will help meet demand for student places in this rapidly growing area – $6 million.
• Our Lady Help of Christians School (Wendouree) School upgrades will include improvements to general learning areas. The work will also improve outdoor learning spaces and landscaping – $2.4 million.
• Ss Michael and John’s Primary School (Horsham) School build includes new general learning areas, breakout spaces, and specialist STEAM and drama rooms – $3.6 million.
• St Joseph’s School (Hopetoun) Funding will provide for the refurbishment of general learning areas, extension to multipurpose room, and improvements to staff and student amenities – $886k
• St Joseph’s School (Warrnambool) The school build will include a new learning hub that includes general learning areas, breakout spaces and amenities – $2.4 million.
• St Mary MacKillop College (Swan Hill) Funding will assist with building the first stage of a new campus for the school. It will include general learning and administration areas – $6 million.
• St Patrick’s School (Stawell) School will build a new general learning area and refurbish amenities –
  $2.4 million.
• St Thomas’ School (Terang) School upgrade will provide for the refurbishment of general learning areas and associated spaces to transform outdated classrooms. Students will gain flexible learning spaces geared for 21st century learning – $2.4 million.
• St Brendan’s School (Coragulac) Upgrades include improving the reception office, sick bay, meeting room, staffroom, toilets and the principal’s office – $1.552 million.