- Minister for Education
Students in Rosebud will soon have a dedicated space where they can gain skills to manage and build their mental health and wellbeing, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Education James Merlino yesterday announced $300,000 in funding to build a Wellness Pavilion at Rosebud Secondary College.
The new centre will include a meditation space for students in class groups and individually, and private workspaces for wellbeing staff and in-reach services to provide counselling support to students.
The centre will also be available out of school hours, subject to hire agreements and joint use agreements with the Mornington Peninsula Shire.
The funding for the new pavilion reflects the Labor Government’s commitment to building the Education State where children are supported to be happy, healthy and resilient, and helping schools to create environments that help young people flourish.
This funding builds on the $300,000 contribution from the Commonwealth Government as well as significant funding the school has raised from local community groups, the Rotary Club and Bendigo Bank.
One in seven Victorians between the ages of four and 17 are estimated to have a mental health issue, with prevalence higher in secondary school.
Rosebud Secondary College is also in the process of recruiting a mental health professional as part of the Labor Government’s $51.2 million Mental Health Practitioners in Schools initiative. The initiative is providing every Victorian government secondary school campus with funding for a mental health practitioner by 2022, so students can receive additional support when they need it most.
As stated by Minister for Education James Merlino
“We recognise that happy, healthy and resilient young people are more likely to succeed in their education and in life. That’s why we’re investing $300,000 towards this new centre to help students in Rosebud improve their mental health and wellbeing.”
“It’s also why we are expanding mental health support in Victorian secondary school campuses, to make sure that our children get the support they need through programs and initiatives.”
As stated by Member for Nepean Chris Brayne
“This upgrade is about more than giving Rosebud Secondary College students the school facilities they deserve – it is about helping students better manage and build on their mental health, while potentially saving lives.”
