School refurb open for learning

CALIFORNIA Gully Primary School pupils and staff are now officially enjoying overhauled facilities, with Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards formally opening new-look additions on Tuesday.

The $5.48 million upgrade and modernisation of the school’s historic building was paid for by a State Government grant, allocated in the 2021-2022 budget. The new facilities were first put to use earlier this school year.

Local contractor Fairbrother carried out the building works, which were designed by Y2 Architecture.

Ms Edwards said she was proud to have worked alongside the school and its community to make the project a reality.

“California Gully Primary School is one of the oldest schools in our region,” Ms Edwards said.

“This project was important to ensure that students and families in this area have modern facilities for a world-class education.

“The school community and school council were great advocates for this.”

The heritage-listed school building was constructed in 1883. The facelift included new additions to both the inside and outside areas of the property, improved and enhanced learning and administration spaces, an art room, a permanent kitchen area and an unattached, covered community space.

“Congratulations to the school principal Andrew Frawley, staff and students for their co-operation throughout the build, and thank you to our local contractors for their brilliant work,” Ms Edwards said.

When it was announced last year, Mr Frawley said the multiuse community area would be a particular advantage because the school planned to use it for external events with different groups.

Ms Edwards said that since 2014, the government had invested $12.8 billion in building new schools and more than 1850 upgrades, creating an estimated 17,400 jobs in construction and associated industries.

According to Ms Edwards, the government is ahead of schedule in its program to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 75 already finished between 2019 and 2024.