WITH the Liberals and Nationals committing to a $16 million upgrade to Broadford Secondary College last Monday, the Broadford community had a chance to hear from State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland and Shadow Minister for Education Brad Rowswell on the same day as the announcement.
The $16 million commitment would complete the first stage of the Broadford Secondary College master plan, which would include purpose-built facilities such as a new STEM and arts centre.
Ms Cleeland said at her announcement on Monday night that there were plenty of factors that led to the decision to commit to Broadford Secondary College if elected later this month.
“This has been a battle that has been a huge fight for the community over more than four years, and we have teachers, parents, family fighting for facilities that meet the needs of our community,” she said.
“We’re up to nearly 6000 people in our local community; we are beyond jampacked and have been for many years. I’m really proud, but we’ve only got here because of the fight of the community, making sure we have facilities that suit students’ educational standards that are delivered here.
“We’ve had a tumultuous time to get here – I think understanding the unique educational options for our region, from Kilmore not having a secondary school, the school of choice being Broadford, and really not having an ability to accommodate the students that would like to go here, it’s exciting, it’s transformational, it will deliver more classes, more opportunities and provide a site that is suitable for our region with the growth we are going through.”
Mr Rowswell also added his thoughts from last Monday night’s announcement.
“Two things have led to the announcement. It is just the right thing to do by the Broadford community and to have the clarity around it is really important. There’s no agenda here, it’s just the right thing to do for this generation and the next, and for the community to recognise that you are an important part of the start,” he said.
“Another thing is that no matter who you are or where you are, your educational opportunity shouldn’t be determined by your location or your postcode. We value the students, teachers, principal and leadership here.
“The second thing is because Annabelle was persistent. Her passion as a community representative has been outstanding.
“Kilmore is one piece of the puzzle, Broadford is another important piece, and without those two pieces being put together, it doesn’t make sense.
“The fact you are a school of choice says so many good things about what is happening here, about the opportunity you are giving young people to contribute in this part of the world.”