26 Oct 2016 Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Wangaratta VIC (General News) THE only two high schools in Indigo Shire are a step closer to long-awaited upgrades for their facilities after meeting with politicians last week. Education Minister James Merlino with Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) visited Beechworth Secondary College and Rutherglen High School to discuss building plans. Among secondary schools classified as being in the worst condition both schools were identified to receive upgrades in the 2016-17Victorian budget. Rutherglen High School received $1.6 million to start planning for a new science, technology, engineering and maths centre, as well as a new junior school. Building works are expected to get underway in early 2017 with Javara Westland Partnership appointed as the architects. Beechworth Secondary College, left dangling after stage one building completion in 2008, has been lobbying for desperately needed funds to complete its building project since then. The budget delivered $12 million shared between 35 schools to start planning major upgrades and Beechworth College is one of them, Mr Merlino said. The Minister said that a great education starts with state of the art facilities that stimulate students and encourage them to be creative thinkers. Were working with the school communities in Beechworth and Rutherglen to make sure they have the facilities they need. Beechworth Secondary College acting principal Phil Stratton said the meeting was very positive. We believe that our advanced planning will help us gain the funding required to complete our building program, Mr Stratton said. The school community is very excited about improving our physical facilities at last. School council president Geoff Simmons said he was pleased for the school that the building project has progressed. For a small school like ours to have the education minister here gives us confidence that when the budget comes around next year, we will be able to bring the school into the 21st century. Student Representative Council (SRC) president year 11 student Dane Asplet said its good to see the project moving quickly. We can compete with other schools and keep kids in Beechworth, he said. Ms Symes said it was the first step to major upgrades for Beechworth Secondary College and Rutherglen High School. I look forward to working with the school communities as these exciting projects progress, she said. DWP Suters appointed as the architect for the project is currently developing the colleges designs. Plans and costing for the colleges new library, science and food technology facilities are expected to be completed early in 2017. Beechworth Secondary College has been lobbying for funds to upgrade facilities since 2002. Caption Text: HOT TOPIC: Beechworth Secondary College Student Representative Council presidents Holly Borschman (left) and Zane Asplet, member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, Minister for Education, James Merlino and acting college principal Phil Stratton discussed college building plans for an upgrade last week. PHOTO: Coral Cooksley Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.