The Andrews Labor Government is commemorating the 150th anniversary of Victoria’s world-class public education system, ensuring future students and teachers can look back at how Victorians learnt and taught in 2022.
Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins marked the milestone of the Education Act 1872 bysealing five time capsules – to be re-opened in 50 years from now in 2072.
On this day 150 years ago, Victoria was the first state in Australia – and one of the first in the world – to make education free, secular and compulsory to all children following the passing of the Education Act 1872.
The time capsules have each been designed and built by Ballarat Tech School, Quantam Victoria, Gippsland Tech School and Geelong Tech School for their respective regions.
Each capsule includes current and historical digital and physical items including photos, videos, prep bags and learning curriculums.
The milestone has also been marked throughout the year with a range of activities designed to commemorate the past, the present and imagine the future of education.
More than 7,500 archive boxes have already been collected and digitised from schools across Victoria, including Essendon Primary School, Bacchus Marsh Primary School and Wallan Primary School. Records collected from schools include enrolment registers and photographs, some dating back to the 1800’s.
In the past eight years, 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.
We’re already ahead of schedule in opening 100 new schools by 2026, which will ensure every student can access a great local education no matter where they live.
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As stated by Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins
“This is such a special milestone – marking 150 years of our world-class public education system through these time capsules, while also investing in the future to continue giving our students every opportunity they need to succeed.”
“We’re delivering better opportunities for all young Victorians and ensuring they have the best spaces to learn, can meet their potential and are equipped with the skills they need to thrive at school and in life.”
