General News
9 June, 2026
Premier, local member visit MEC
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan came to Maryborough Education Centre last week after millions in funding was secured for upgrades.
Maryborough Education Centre’s $18 million planned facilities upgrade saw Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan visit the region last week.
The state’s premier joined Member for Ripon Martha Haylett, alongside local staff and students, following the funding announcement.
The local school received $18.097 million toward upgrades to their outdated specialist setting in the recent budget.
It’s their share of $295 million toward building upgrades at several public schools.
MEC’s specialist setting was originally built for 16 students, but now there are 60 enrolled, forcing some classes to be taken in portables separate from the main area.
The funding supports the setting’s upgrade and modernisation, with a new special needs building for the cohort, as well as completing the remaining all-abilities track.
Ms Allan said the funding reflects the growth in the community and school.
“The approach we have as a government is that we believe all kids, no matter which part of the state they’re in, deserve access to the best education opportunities,” she said.
“We have an incredible government public school system here in Victoria and in regional Victoria it presents so many opportunities for kids.
“[MEC’s] seen as a great destination for education for families in the region.”
Ms Haylett said the funding came from her own and local staff’s advocacy.
“The growth of this community is significant and the demand is there,” she said.
“I’m just so over the moon for the community that we have got this outcome for them.”
Student leader Jeremy Parker said it was exciting to see all the specialist kids come together — rather than being separated.
“Here at Maryborough Education Centre we’re so thankful for the help,” he said.
“I’m so thankful to Jacinta Allan and Martha Haylett for giving us the money.”
The upgrades come alongside an Early Childcare Centre at the school being fully funded in the recent State Budget.
The centre offers free kinder and long day care, alongside space for maternal and child health consultations, as well as community rooms for playgroups and meetings.
It will open for term one in 2028 with enrolments and construction starting next year.
Ms Allan said the projects being budgeted, rather than an election commitment, was significant.
“It will be delivered,” she said.