The Nationals Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull and The Nationals Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien with Sale Specialist School principal Shelagh Donegan and School Council President Jane Nash.

A commitment of $7.6 million for the completion of the new Sale Specialist School was welcomed today by State MP’s Tim Bull and Danny O’Brien, who with the school community have been advocating strongly for this outcome.

“Along with Danny, we have raised this matter numerous times in Parliament already this year – in fact every sitting week to date, stressing its importance. We tabled a petition from the community in Parliament and in February I formally invited the Minister to visit the school community, which he accepted and today’s announcement is a great result,” said Mr Bull.

“The previous Coalition Government purchased the land and provided $4m for stage one of the school last year and pre-election committed a further $15 million for its completion. While today’s announcement does not match that fully, it is welcomed and we will work with the school to ensure they are provided a first class facility that meets the needs of the students.

“Since November there has been a level of uncertainty in the school community, but due to its outstanding advocacy, the commitment has been matched by the Government and I thank them for coming to the party.”

Mr Bull said today is great news for students, parents and teachers at the Sale Specialist School, who have worked hard for this outcome.

“This new school will be a game changer for students, who are currently based at three different campuses in Sale and this is why we got the ball rolling and then committed the funds for its completion,” he said.

Mr O’Brien said the new school would benefit students from across the region.

“The school community has done a fantastic job in their advocacy for this outcome and it has been a high priority for Tim and myself to bring this to fruition.

“Having students across a number of different campuses is not the ideal environment for delivering the best learning outcomes.

“To have the students located at the one site, with modern classrooms and facilities, and plenty of room to play and move about is what was needed and now it is going to happen after a period of uncertainty,” Mr O’Brien said.