Shadow Minister for Education visits local schools in the region

Shadow Minister for Education Nick Wakeling has visited the Eildon electorate to listen to local school communities about their priorities and needs.

Mr Wakeling was hosted by local State Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish who invited the Shadow Minister to discuss educational needs in the region.

“It has been great to have the Shadow Minister out in our region so he can see first-hand the challenges and opportunities that face rural and regional schools in particular,” Ms McLeish said.

Schools visited in the region included Yea Primary School, Yea High School, Flowerdale Primary School, Middle Kinglake Primary School, Kinglake Primary School, Strathewen Primary School and Woori Yallock Primary School.

“Obviously the issues faced by rural schools are different to those in the city. The information we have received today will help us plan for Victoria’s future needs in education,” Mr Wakeling said.

Ms McLeish said that student safety was a key issue for local school principals especially at Yea and Woori Yallock Primary Schools where the Andrews Labor Government has failed to install electronic 40km/h speed signs at school crossings.

“We continue to fight an uphill battle against this government who are telling us the safety of our school students doesn’t matter. Despite local petitions and campaigns Daniel Andrews keeps saying no,” Ms McLeish said.

Mr Wakeling said he has noticed the same issue across the state and called on the State government to fund the crossing upgrades.

“In my own electorate and here in the Eildon electorate, Daniel Andrew’s government is refusing to install much needed signs to protect students, parents, teachers and crossing guards. Our school communities deserve better,” Mr Wakeling said.