THE push is on for a public secondary college in Kilmore, with The Nationals leading the charge to petition the State Government into building a school for the town.
The petition has been sponsored by The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria, Gaelle Broad, while it is also backed by The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland.
Ms Broad said the petition received strong support from across the region, attracting 570 new signatures on top of more than 3300 from previous campaigns.
“The response from the Kilmore community has been nothing short of incredible,” she said.
“Parents, students, and community leaders have come together to send a clear message. Families in Kilmore deserve access to a local public secondary school.
“We will keep pushing to ensure the Government hears this message loud and clear.
“Our community won’t give up, and neither will we.”
Ms Cleeland said families are increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress and the State Government’s refusal to act.
“There is a clear need, there is community support, and there is a growing population. The only thing missing is the political will from this Government,” she said.
Ms Cleeland said the burden is falling unfairly on local families, with children forced to travel long distances to access public education.
“It is absolutely ridiculous that Labor can earmark this region to grow by over 300 per cent, yet still deny it the most basic services,” she said.
“No new school, no adequate transport, and no proper investment in local infrastructure. It is a slap in the face to every family trying to build a future here.
“Nearby schools like Broadford and Wallan are already beyond capacity.
“Some students are facing round trips of up to two hours just to get to class. That is not sustainable, and it is not fair.”
Both Ms Broad and Ms Cleeland have consistently raised the issue in Parliament, lodged petitions, and met with the Education Minister’s office to press the case.
As the campaign continues, locals are being encouraged to get behind the push and make their voices heard.
“This is not just a matter of convenience. It is about giving our kids the same opportunities as those in other parts of Victoria,” Ms Broad said.
“Our community deserves better, and we will keep fighting until a public high school for Kilmore becomes a reality.”
