Voices from Bendigo's community on recent education funding shifts

Bendigo families and educators are voicing concern and cautious optimism following recent state government announcements that affect local school funding and education programs. The changes, unveiled on July 8 by the Victorian Department of Education, have direct implications for nearly a dozen primary and secondary schools across the Greater Bendigo area.

Community response amid statewide reforms

The reforms come as Victoria pushes to rebalance education spending towards regional centers like Bendigo, aiming to reduce disparities that have long affected rural students. Yet local school communities feel the immediate pinch, as some existing programs face cuts or restructuring. For example, the planned reduction in specialist STEM instructors in the Bendigo South East Secondary College on Kangaroo Flat Road has led to concerns among parents about the future of science and technology education.

Meanwhile, the Healthy Minds partnership program operating out of La Trobe University’s Bendigo campus-which provides mental health support and counseling to regional students-is set to receive an expanded budget. This move has been broadly welcomed by educators who have struggled to meet the rising needs of students impacted by social and economic upheaval in recent years.

Local impacts and tangible effects

In Bendigo's Eaglehawk and White Hills suburbs, where populations include significant numbers of working-class families and Aboriginal students, educational equity remains a talking point. Bendigo Health’s recent capital expansion on Arnold Street reflects broader community investment, but education advocates say direct school funding is critical for long-term development.

According to the Department of Education’s data, Bendigo’s government schools served approximately 12,450 students in 2025, with nearly 18% identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander-a demographic priority for tailored programs. However, funding shifts have resulted in an average cut of $200,000 to smaller schools like Eaglehawk Primary on Howard Street, reportedly impacting music and arts activities that parents say are integral to student engagement.

Teachers at Kangaroo Flat Secondary have also noted that the reallocation of resources could lead to class sizes rising above 30 students, straining both staff and facilities. Parents in the community have voiced support for the retention of extra teaching aides and extracurricular programs, fearing their removal may negatively affect children's learning outcomes, especially for those requiring additional assistance.

Community forums held last weekend at the Bendigo Town Hall offered a venue for open discussion between residents, school leaders, and local government representatives. Many expressed a desire for ongoing dialogue and sought clearer information on how future budget adjustments would be communicated and managed at the school level.

Looking ahead, the Victorian Department of Education has pledged to consult with regional stakeholders throughout the remainder of 2026, with further updates expected in late August. Parents and educators are encouraged to participate in these consultations and submit feedback through official channels to influence decision-making.

For Bendigo residents seeking more information on the reforms and their impacts, the City of Greater Bendigo has scheduled a webinar for July 20. The event will feature education officers and local school principals discussing changes and answering community questions. Additionally, local non-profit groups such as the Bendigo Education Support Network are offering workshops to help families navigate changes and access available resources.