Locals will be able to access the open spaces at Wyndham schools after hours as part of a pilot scheme launched by the state government.
The pilot scheme will provide communities across Melbourne’s west will access to ovals and gyms in recently opened schools once class is out for the day.
The scheme launched on Wednesday, July 23, and is aimed at providing more valuable space for after school activities like local sports, language and music classes and other community-run extracurricular activities.
The government said the $1.4 million investment would fund a dedicated support team to help the schools in facilitating community use of their spaces, co-ordinating community outreach and managing associated administration.
Support would include promoting and identifying opportunities for community groups, negotiating and managing agreements and helping arrange additional cleaning of school facilities, the government said.
The government said that out of Victoria’s 1580 government schools, two-thirds currently share their grounds for informal use by the community.
More than 20 schools across Wyndham will be involved in the program.
They are: Laa Yulta Primary School in Mambourin; Ngarri Primary School in Manor Lakes; Featherbrook P-9 College, Saltwater P-9 College and Homestead Senior Secondary College in Point Cook; Tarneit Rise Primary School, Davis Creek Primary School, Karwan Primary School, Nearnung Primary School, Brinbeal Secondary College, Wimba Primary School and Barayip Primary School in Tarneit; Dohertys Creek P-9 College, Garrang Wilam Primary School, Bemin Secondary College’s junior campus and Warreen Primary School in Truganina; Riverwalk Primary School, Lollypop Creek Primary School, Nganboo Borron School and Walcom Ngarrwa Secondary College in Werribee; and Riverbend Primary School in Wyndham Vale.
Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ben Carroll said the move enable community members to enjoy the gyms, ovals, playgrounds and open spaces in schools.
“This move will mean everyone can enjoy our record investment in schools – turning them into thriving local hubs that encourage people to get active and learn new skills,” he said.
Point Cook MP Mathew Hilakari said, “This exciting pilot program opens school doors for use beyond the classroom, transforming these spaces where local sports clubs, music groups, and neighbourhood activities can flourish alongside our kids’ learning”.
