Catherine Andrews, wife of the Victorian Premier made a special trip to the Latrobe Valley today with Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing.

The focus of the visit was to celebrate local community leadership and excellence in education.

Catherine Andrews and Harriet Shing MP caught up with the Morwell Neighbourhood House Committee of Management for a morning tea, where Neighbourhood House Manager, Tracie Lund explained the vital role they play in the community providing social connection and access to services.

Catherine and Harriet also visited Kurnai Secondary College in Morwell to experience first-hand the highly regarded Pre VCAL Program with local students who are getting hands on learning with gardening, chicken rearing and budgie breeding at the school.

Liddiard Road Primary School in Traralgon then showcased the great work they are doing supporting kids with barriers to learning, including their AUSLAN program. Catherine and Harriet also had the opportunity to meet with Principal Peter Haberl and teachers from the Latrobe English Language Learning Centre who deliver intensive English language training for migrants and refugees prior to their enrolment in mainstream school or further education.

The Andrews Labor Government recently announced that Kurnai Secondary College will receive $884,225 and Liddiard Road Primary School will receive $439,388 in additional funding in 2016. Schools in Gippsland will share in more than $15 million of extra funding as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s plan to make Victoria the Education State.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Region, Harriet Shing:

“It is great to welcome Catherine Andrews to the Latrobe Valley, where we can showcase some of the best examples of community leadership and education.”

Morwell Neighbourhood House, Kurnai College and Liddiard Primary School are such an important part of our community – they make an enormous contribution to the Latrobe Valley.”

“The additional funding we have provided to Kurnai College and Liddiard Primary School along with other Gippsland schools will make a big difference to their capacity to deliver quality education”.

Quotes attributable to Catherine Andrews:

“It is great to be back in the Latrobe Valley visiting Kurnai College, Liddiard Road Primary School and the Morwell Neighbourhood House.”

“I love meeting and listening to people who are making a real difference in their local communities.”

“The communities of the Latrobe Valley are strong and resilient. The future of this region lies in the strength of its people.”