Local volunteer organisation, Equality for Autism, is pushing for the development of a new specialist school in Brimbank to address a “critical shortage” of facilities catering for children with profound or severe disabilities in the area.
Started to support and advocate for people with autism, the group is now petitioning for a cause that members believe needs to be urgently delivered.
Currently the Sunshine Special Development School is the only education facility of its kind in Brimbank, and according to Equality for Autism co-founder Jeff O’Donnell, it alone can’t meet the high demand.
“There’s a huge need for another school,” he said.
“Even in 2009, when my son needed to go to a special development school, it was really hard to get him into one.
“Since then, the situation has become even worse.”
Mr O’Donnell, along with fellow members, have started a campaign to build an appropriate needs-focused school in Deer Park — at the site of the current Victoria University Secondary College (VUSC).
The existing VUSC campus is part of another extensive development, which when complete will shift the entire school to Cairnlea.
VUSC’s senior campus is already operating out of the new location, with the junior campus expected to be relocated under the development’s stage two works that haven’t commenced yet.
As part of the campaign, the group is calling on the state government to fund the stage 2 of the VUSC to consolidate its junior and senior campuses in Cairnlea and repurpose that land in Deer Park to construct a new specialist school.
The petition, which is available to view on the parliament’s website, has so far received nearly 200 signatures.
“Families in the region face significant challenges in accessing appropriate education, with existing schools at or over capacity,” the petition reads.
“This lack of infrastructure limits educational opportunities and support for children who require specialised care, forcing many families to travel long distances for suitable schooling.”
In relation to stage two works at VUSC being finalised, a Department of Education spokesperson said the infrastructure needs of all schools are considered every year, and funded accordingly.
Details: www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/new-specialist-school-in-the-western-suburbs/
