New home, same culture

OBERON High School’s new home in Armstrong Creek is all set to welcome students to its start-of-the-art facility for term 1, 2021.

The school, which was previously located in Belmont, has long achieved strong results and built a well-respected culture in the region, will now have the modern facilities to match.

The move will also ensure enrolment pressures are alleviated, providing another high-quality high school in an area which is experiencing huge population growth.Oberon High School is located next to the Armstrong Creek School, a combined primary and specialist school, providing Prep to Year 12 opportunities in the one precinct.

The project was born in 2014, with the Andrews Labor Government making it a reality.

Minister for Education James Merlino, who toured the facility on Thursday, said it was crucial to provide the growing community with the necessary education opportunities.

“I’m just delighted, this is a stunning school,” Mr Merlino said.

“This is a really unique project in Victoria.

A brand new secondary school here in Armstrong Creek, calling it Oberon High, all staff, all students, the same leadership (all moving across), because it’s such a great school, great culture.

“It just made sense to move the whole school, it’s Oberon High in Armstrong Creek.

“The residential growth is just extraordinary … we’ve got a responsibility that education facilities keep up with that growth and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

While it is a new chapter for Oberon, it has made sure to retain some of the history and character of its former home, with features of the old school popping up as you walk through the facility.

Oberon High School principal Tim McMahon said it was a memorable day and would provide the Oberon community with a much-deserved improved facility.

“It is amazing and it’s there for the Oberon community and it’s about them getting modern-class facilities rather than what they’ve previously had … and the long-term future of the school is guaranteed as well,” Mr McMahon said.

“We’ve got to thank James (Merlino), Christine (Couzens, Geelong MP) and Darren (Cheeseman, South Barwon MP) for having the vision to want to do this.”

Students who are currently enrolled at Oberon High School will be able to continue to access the free school bus program or free public transport as part of the Conveyance Allowance.

The new campus has places for up to 1100 students, allowing the school to grow in the future.