School upgrades a state priority

New School Year
As we quickly move into 2017, it is an important time of year for schools, students and their parents.
Of course Preps have just embarked on school life, while Year 12 students are commencing the most important year of their education.
As the Member for Bellarine, the provision of quality education and facilities are of paramount importance to me, as they are for all parents. So I am pleased to report that the State Government is continuing to fulfil its promise of upgrading schools right across the Bellarine.
Late last year, Portarlington Primary School’s $5.7 million refurbishment commenced joining Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove and Drysdale primary schools, all who are subject to multi-million dollar upgrades over 2016/’17.
And at the secondary level, both Bellarine Secondary and St Ignatius colleges have been allocated multi-million dollar State Government funding packages for upgrade and refurbishment works.
I am also pleased to note that the Andrews Government has significantly increased the ’State Schools Relief’ fund which helps families of low income with financial assistance to purchase uniforms and footwear.
Across the Bellarine in 2016, nearly 200 students received such financial assistance.
I wish all our Bellarine students well for 2017.
Congratulatory Milestone Messages
Over the course of a year, I have many people contact my office inquiring about congratulatory letters for family members reaching wedding anniversary or birthday milestones.
For readers’ information my office is able to arrange congratulatory messages for the following milestones.
· 90th birthday from Premier and Prime Minister
· 100th birthday from the Queen, Governor General, Prime Minister and Premier.
· 50th wedding anniversary from Governor General, Prime Minister and Premier.
· 60th wedding anniversary from Queen, Governor General, Prime Minister, Victorian Governor and Premier.
Messages can also been arranged for 65th and 70th wedding anniversaries and for birthdays over 100.
If you would like a congratulatory message, do not hesitate to contact my office who will be more than happy to provide you with assistance.
Portarlington Ferry
It is good to know that having completed its very first summer holiday period that the Portarlington ferry has been a resounding success with thousands of locals and tourists alike enjoying the service.
Many were coming from Melbourne to enjoy time on the Bellarine, while lots of locals took advantage of a relaxing cruise for a day in the city. I have enjoyed working with all stakeholders in getting this service up and running and look forward to it going from strength to strength.
And together with the Queenscliff Ferry service people on the Bellarine now have terrific services to choose from when looking to get to Melbourne and beyond.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me by email or call my office if there are any matters that I may be able to assist you with directly.
Hon Lisa Neville MP
Member for Bellarine
lisa.neville@parliament.vic.gov.au
Twitter@Lisanevillemp
Phone 5248 3462.