General News
11 September, 2025
School redevelopment begins
THE long awaited redevelopment of Ararat College is underway and set to deliver top rate classrooms for local students.
Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ben Carroll visited the school this week to kick start works.
He said every Victorian student deserves access to a world-class learning environment close to home and promised better facilities are on the way for students at Ararat College.
Mr Carroll joined Member for Ripon Martha Haylett and Acting Principal Jenette Penn to turn the sod on the rebuild of Building C.
Mr Carroll said better school facilities help students learn better and the new Building C will include new general-purpose classrooms, student toilets, locker bays, wellbeing spaces, and staff workspaces, as well as new landscaping works.
“This new building will ensure students at the school thrive in modern purpose built facilities with heating and air conditioning allowing them to fully focus on their education,” he said.
The Labor Government allocated $4.6 million in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 for the project, which will give students the amenities they need.
Building will start shortly and is forecast to be completed by term 3, 2026.
“Every student deserves a modern, and inspiring place to learn. When we invest in our schools, we invest in our kids.”
“I am thrilled to turn the sod for the rebuild of Building C and look forward to seeing the project take shape for the local school community.”
“Martha Haylett (Ripon MP) is passionate about education. If she’s not out in her electorate visiting schools, she’s in Parliament talking about education,” he said.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said the upgrade to the facilities and learning environment for local students will help them get the most out of their education.
“We’re backing our school community here in Ararat with the funding they need to get on with the upgrades that matter most to them.”
”I remember back in 2022, when we announced money for St Mary’s and Marian College, people would say to me why aren’t you upgrading our public schools, what about Ararat College? It was a happy day when I rang Ellie (McDougall) with the good news.”
“I’ve just been a dog with a bone with this project and I’m so glad it is now kicking off,” Ms Haylett said.
Ms Penn said her predecessor played a big role in the project.
“Ellie McDougall and Emma Henry the Assistant Principal really need to be acknowledged for their hard work.
“We can’t wait for this old building to move off and something new and exciting in its place.”
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