Budget delivers new gym for fast-growing Ocean Grove school

A new gymnasium is on the way for Surfside Primary School, with $11 million in funding set to ease the pressure of the school’s rapid growth.

The funding, confirmed in the 2026–27 Victorian budget, will deliver a competition-grade indoor facility for the Ocean Grove school, alongside other upgrades.

It follows more than seven years of advocacy from the school community, during which enrolments have more than doubled.

Principal Peter Walsh shared the news with students during an assembly on Friday to loud cheers.

“In seven years, this is the best day of my life,” he said.

“Our school has grown so significantly over the last five to six years.

“It’s exciting just being able to get some facilities that can cater for our students and to give them some new facilities to be proud of.”

The new gymnasium will also provide a dedicated indoor assembly space, something no current student has had a chance to experience during their time at Surfside.

“We’ve had a space which is useful for 250 kids. We’re now 550,” Walsh said.

“For our year 6s, they haven’t done an indoor assembly ever.”

Walsh said the facility would also help address a shortage of indoor sporting spaces across Ocean Grove and the Bellarine, with plans to open it up for community use.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant, who has long backed the school in its advocacy, said the upgrades would give students more space to learn, be active and come together as a school.

Surfside Primary School is one of 31 government schools to receive funding in this year’s Victorian budget.

Drysdale Primary School will also receive $500,000 to update and refurbish its bathrooms.

“I am proud to have advocated alongside the Drysdale and Surfside communities for this funding, and I am excited to see these upgrades take place,” Marchant said.