The Andrews Labor Government is creating jobs and caring for the people of Williamstown.
The Victorian Budget 2021/22 will support an average of 38,000 jobs every year over the next four years, while also investing in the care and services our community needs.
Wembley Primary School is one of 52 Victorian schools that will be upgraded in this year’s Budget. This $10.2 million investment will upgrade and modernise the school’s main building. Not only will this give our students new classrooms and learning spaces, it’ll create good jobs for Victorians. Across the state, our investment in more and better schools is expected to support 3,500 jobs.
Recognising the key role of schools in supporting the wellbeing of our students, this Budget also invests in a new School Mental Health Fund. This investment will allow schools to choose and implement mental health and wellbeing programs that best meet the needs of their students. The Mental Health in Primary Schools pilot will also be expanded to include 90 government schools and 10 non-government schools.
The best start in life for young Victorians begins with a great early education. That’s why the Labor Government is rolling out three-year-old kinder for every Victorian child from next year. That means every child in Williamstown will have access to at least five hours of funded kinder per week, increasing to 15 hours by 2029. It’s not just great news for kids – families will save $1150 on average, while an extra 6,000 roles for qualified early childhood teachers and educators will also be created.
Our Surf Life Saving Clubs keep our community safe. This year’s Budget includes $11.35 million to upgrade and restore the Williamstown Life Saving Club, giving our volunteers the facilities they need to continue their incredible work.
Local sporting clubs are the heart and soul of our community. The Budget is backing their future, delivering better pavillions, changerooms, grounds and courts so all Victorians can get active. In Williamstown, this means up to $1 million to upgrade change rooms, training and administration facilities at Downer Oval, home of the Williamstown Seagulls Football Club.
This Budget also includes a once in a generation investment to build our mental health system from the ground up. $3.8 billion will transform the way mental health support is offered in Victoria, with early intervention, a dedicated stream of care for our kids, and the recruitment of thousands of new workers.
An investment of $954 million will deliver 22 reformed area mental health and wellbeing services to replace current services. These services will have more capacity to treat and support Victorians experiencing severe and complex mental health challenges.
Young Victorians are at the heart of our reform, with $842 million in mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people. This investment will see two separate streams of care created – one devoted to infants and children and one devoted to young people. This investment will deliver more early intervention, more intensive support for those who need acute care, and three new community-based hubs, providing a one-stop approach to children’s mental health, health and development.
Not only are we delivering the mental health system Victoria needs – we’re also supporting around 3,000 new jobs. From doctors to nurses, support staff to peer workers, this investment is creating new opportunities for thousands of Victorians. To train and recruit this critical workforce we’re also funding new scholarships, job placements and continuing our Free TAFE courses.
With this Budget, we’re creating new jobs and caring for Victorians.
Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne
“The quality of our education system is measured by the quality of our schools, that’s why I’m so excited that we’re delivering this upgrade to Wembley Primary School.”
“Williamstown Lifesaving Club is at the heart of our local community – this upgrade will deliver a great community space that our volunteers need and deserve.”
“Not only will our investments in mental health make sure locals are getting the care they need – they’ll also support new local jobs.”