Communities across Victoria are encouraged to have their say in naming the new schools opening in their area in 2023, as consultation on the new names for 13 new schools the Andrews Labor Government is opening in 2023 gets underway.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas encouraged families in Werribee to have their say via an online survey on Engage Victoria on their preferred name for their new school.

The Victorian Government is seeking the community’s input to help find a name for the school that reflects its unique identity, inspires local pride and makes the school easily locatable.

Currently known by their interim names, Holyoake Parade Primary School and Lollypop Creek Primary School are two of 13 schools opening their doors in 2023. The others are:

• Camms Road Primary School
• Hayes Hill Primary School
• Merrifield West Secondary School
• Mount Ridley Special School
• North Melbourne Primary School
• Officer Rix Road Primary School
• Riverdale East Primary School
• Rockbank Murray Road Primary School
• Tarneit Missen House Primary School
• Wollert East Secondary School
• Wollert West Primary School

This work is well ahead of schedule — 75 of these new schools have already been funded or opened, with 13 new schools opening in 2023 and a further 14 new schools opening in 2024.

The shortlisted names for Holyoake Parade Primary School and Lollypop Creek Primary School were identified by Regional Advisory and Traditional Owners groups, based on factors including public interest, relevance to the local area, and the consideration of local Indigenous languages.

In the past eight years, the Labor Government has invested $12.8 billion in building new schools and more than 1,850 school upgrades, creating around 17,400 jobs in construction and associated industries.

The Victorian Government is building the Education State so that every student can access a great local school and receive a quality education.

To have your say, visit https://engage.vic.gov.au/2023-new-schools-school-naming.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“Right across the state we’re building new schools to make sure that no matter where they live, every child has the chance to get a great education.”

“We want to give all communities the opportunity to play a meaningful role in shaping the identity and future of their local new school, and ensure each school reflects the unique character of its local community.”

Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“This is an exciting step for the Werribee community and marks a milestone in establishing an identity for their new schools.”