The Andrews Labor Government is creating jobs and caring for the people of Clarinda.

The Victorian Budget 2021/22 will support an average of 38,000 jobs every year over the next four years, while also investing in the care and services our community needs.

Westall Secondary College is one of 52 Victorian schools that will be upgraded in this year’s Budget. This $9.3 million investment includes a new learning wing, delivering the next stage of the school’s regeneration project. Not only will this give our kids new learning spaces, it’ll create good jobs for Victorians. Across the state, our investment in more and better schools is expected to support 3,500 jobs.

Recognising the key role of schools in supporting the wellbeing of our students, this Budget also invests in a new School Mental Health Fund. This investment will allow schools to choose and implement mental health and wellbeing programs that best meet the needs of their students. The Mental Health in Primary Schools pilot will also be expanded to include 90 government schools and 10 non-government schools.

Our local sporting clubs are the heart and soul of our community. The Budget will invest in their future, with up to $180,000 to fund the replacement of the bowling green at South Oakleigh Bowls Club.

Springvale Road through central Springvale will also be revitalised, thanks to a $900,000 investment in this year’s Budget. The Springvale Boulevard project will help make Springvale Road more modern and attractive, while attracting new visitors and supporting local businesses.

This Budget also includes a once in a generation investment to build our mental health system from the ground up. $3.8 billion will transform the way mental health support is offered in Victoria, with early intervention, a dedicated stream of care for our kids, and the recruitment of thousands of new workers.

An investment of $954 million will deliver 22 reformed area mental health and wellbeing services to replace current services. These services will have more capacity to treat and support Victorians experiencing severe and complex mental health challenges, including in their own communities.

Young Victorians are at the heart of our reform, with $842 million in mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people. This investment will see two separate streams of care created – one devoted to infants and children and one devoted to young people. This investment will deliver more early intervention, more intensive support for those who need acute care, and more help for local families.

Not only are we delivering the mental health system Victoria needs – we’re also supporting around 3,000 new jobs. From doctors to nurses, support staff to peer workers, this investment is creating new opportunities for thousands of Victorians. To train and recruit this critical workforce, we’re also funding new scholarships, job placements and continuing our Free TAFE courses.

With this Budget, we’re creating new jobs and caring for Victorians.

Quotes attributable to Member for Clarinda Meng Heang Tak

“This Budget invests in the things that matter to our community – from better schools to a new mental health system – creating local jobs at the same time. “

“Our Government believe in caring for Victorians and building stronger communities. That’s why the Budget invests in upgrading a local sporting icon, the South Oakleigh Bowls Club.”