By Gabriella Payne
The staff and students at Lang Lang Primary School had a few reasons to smile recently, after hearing some exciting news from the state government.
It seems the school will be getting some much needed upgrades in the near future – specifically a refurbishment of their student bathrooms – thanks to a grant they received through the Victorian government’s Minor Capital Works Fund.
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale announced late last year that Lang Lang Primary School will share in more than $18.6 million to fast-track their highest priority project through this year’s second round of the $90 million fund.
The fund invests in government school facilities across the state, in the hopes of improving learning spaces as well as the condition and character of Victorian schools – making sure every student and staff member has a safe and comfortable place to teach and learn.
More than 300 Victorian government schools have already received $70 million through the first round of the Minor Capital Works Fund to upgrade toilet amenities and roofs, improve playgrounds, refurbish classrooms and upgrade ovals – and now Lang Lang Primary will join their ranks.
With their $359,127 in funding, Lang Lang Primary School will be able to refurbish their student bathrooms to improve amenity, cleanliness and hygiene – something the school community has been advocating for for a number of years now.
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said that it was fantastic to announce this good news to the school community after they fought so passionately to gain funding.
“This upgrade is something the whole school community has been advocating for and ever since my first visit in late 2018, I have joined with them in their fight and focus to get funding,” Ms Crugnale said.
“Lang Lang Primary school students deserve to have bathroom facilities that are clean, hygienic and accessible.
“This funding builds on our significant $1.5 million investment to modernise classrooms and learning environments which are underway and expected to be completed in 2022,” she said.
The Minister for Education, James Merlino, echoed Ms Crugnale’s sentiments and said that projects like the one at Lang Lang Primary School were vital in helping improve the learning landscape for students, but would also provide jobs for Victorians at the same time.
“Every student should have the best local school facilities, no matter where they live,” Mr Merlino said.
“That’s why we’re investing in hundreds of small, but important projects, that will make a big difference for schools and create local jobs for Victorians.”
