Students at California Gully Primary School will soon be able to enjoy improved facilities to learn and play, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards MP has announced the 140-year-old school’s heritage building will be refurbished, with a new covered community space and new landscaping also constructed.

Bendigo company Fairbrother has been appointed to carry out the works, which are scheduled to begin later this month and be complete in the second half of 2024.

The company has extensive experience delivering school upgrades in the Bendigo region, having completed projects at nearby Spring Gully Primary School, Marong Primary School, and Castlemaine Secondary College.

“This is great news for California Gully Primary School – with these works to transform the school and give students improved facilities to learn and play," Ms Edwards said.

“We’re making sure that all students at the school can meet their potential and access great education.”

The school – which is located on Staley Street – received $5.48 million in the Victorian Budget 2021/22 for the project to take place.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested $12.8 billion in building new schools and more than 1,850 school upgrades, creating around 17,400 jobs in construction and associated industries.

The Government is ahead of schedule in opening 100 new schools by 2026, with 75 new schools opening between 2019 and 2024 – ensuring every student can access a great local school and a quality education no matter where they live.