Education Minister Martin Dixon at Horsham College.
AS the May budget draws closer, we are calling on Horsham and district people to support our ongoing fight for the Horsham College redevelopment.
Horsham is the capital of the Wimmera. It has a thriving service and retail industry and its farmers use 21st century equipment to grow and harvest crops.
Should we accept having 1000 secondary students being educated in crumbling facilities, some dating back to the Second World War?
We know there are scores of schools across Victoria seeking upgrades but we believe our request is both unique and urgent. Our students are required to walk for up to 10 minutes between classes between the two campuses in both 40-degree heat and rain and cold. Not good for healthy children or healthy learning. Most class rooms were built in the 1960s and 1970s and have passed their use-by dates.
Many rooms are crumbling, being eaten by white ants and have succumbed to the harsh Wimmera climate and unstable soils on top of being underfunded for maintenance.
We are extremely proud of the ongoing achievements of our staff and students who have excelled irrespective of the environment. Just imagine the possibilities if we can provide 21st century facilities to match their endeavors.
Students are our region's future and funding Horsham College's redevelopment makes good business for them and the Wimmera's continued prosperity. Last year the college celebrated a century of secondary education in Horsham.
Let's begin the next century with a long-awaited commitment for new school facilities.
Don't make us wait any longer - it is time to Just Build It.
People of the Wimmera, if you feel strongly about this issue please tell your politicians, the media and your friends and help build a better future for our children.
Rowan Smith
Horsham College School Council president
