Locals will be able to access the open spaces at Melton schools after hours as part of a pilot scheme launched by the state government.
The pilot scheme will provide communities across Melbourne’s west will access to ovals and gyms in recently opened schools once class is out for the day.
The scheme launched on Wednesday, July 23, and is aimed at providing more valuable space for after school activities like local sports, language and music classes and other community-run extracurricular activities.
The government said the $1.4 million investment would fund a dedicated support team to help the schools in facilitating community use of their spaces, co-ordinating community outreach and managing associated administration.
Support would include promoting and identifying opportunities for community groups, negotiating and managing agreements and helping arrange additional cleaning of school facilities, the government said.
Across the Melton municipality, 10 schools will be involved in the program.
These are Springside West Secondary College in Fraser Rise, Burnside Primary School in Burnside, Aintree Primary School in Aintree, Eynesbury Primary School in Eynesbury, Deanside Primary School in Deanside, Strathtulloh Primary School in Strathtulloh, Thornhill Park Primary School in Thornhill Park, Dharra School in Aintree, Binap Primary School in Brookfield, and Yarrabing Secondary College in Aintree.
The government said that out of Victoria’s 1580 government schools, two-thirds currently share their grounds for informal use by the community.
Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ben Carroll said the move enable community members to enjoy the gyms, ovals, playgrounds and open spaces in schools.
“This move will mean everyone can enjoy our record investment in schools – turning them into thriving local hubs that encourage people to get active and learn new skills,” he said.
