The Andrews Labor Government is creating jobs and caring for the people of Sydenham.  

The Victorian Budget 2021/22 will support an average of 38,000 jobs every year over the next four years, while also investing in the care, services and infrastructure our community needs. 

We’re building the roads we need now, as well as future proofing our road network. To ensure our local roads continue to meet the needs of our growing community, the Budget kicks off planning for upgrading the Calder Freeway. This $100 million investment will progress planning works to improve safety and capacity at Calder Park Interchange, between Gap Road in Sunbury and the M80 Ring Road. 

The Budget is also investing in our schools, with Parkwood Green Primary School being one of 52 Victorian schools that will be upgraded in this year’s Budget. This $10 million investment will deliver modern teaching and learning spaces for our students, as well as good jobs for Victorians. Across the state, our investment in more and better schools is expected to support 3,500 jobs. 

Trees make our streets more attractive, provide shade and decrease pollution. Under this year’s Budget, suburbs in Melbourne’s west – including in Sydenham – will see thousands of new trees planted, further beautifying our community. 

Victim-survivors of family violence will also receive improved support in this Budget, with the expansion of our network of specialist family violence courts, to include Sunshine. These courts are specially designed to make attending court a less daunting experience for victim-survivors, including separate entrances and exits, safe waiting areas and dedicated space for children. 

This Budget also includes a once in a generation investment to build our mental health system from the ground up. $3.8 billion will transform the way mental health support is offered in Victoria, with early intervention, a dedicated stream of care for our kids, and the recruitment of thousands of new workers. 

An investment of $954 million will deliver 22 reformed area mental health and wellbeing services to replace current services. These services will have more capacity to treat and support Victorians experiencing severe and complex mental health challenges, in their own communities.  

Young Victorians are at the heart of our reform, with $842 million in mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people. This investment will see two separate streams of care created – one devoted to infants and children and one devoted to young people. This investment will deliver more early intervention, more intensive support for those who need acute care, and three new community-based hubs, providing a one-stop approach to children’s mental health, health and development.  

Recognising the key role of schools in supporting the wellbeing of our students, this Budget also invests in a new School Mental Health Fund. This investment will allow schools to choose and implement mental health and wellbeing programs that best meet the needs of their students. The Mental Health in Primary Schools pilot will also be expanded to include 90 government schools and 10 non-government schools. 

Not only are we delivering the mental health system Victoria needs – we’re also supporting around 3,000 new jobs. From doctors to nurses, support staff to peer workers, this investment is creating new opportunities for thousands of Victorians. To train and recruit this critical workforce, we’re also funding new scholarships, job placements and continuing our Free TAFE courses. 

With this Budget, we’re creating jobs and caring for Victorians. 

Quotes attributable to Member for Sydenham Natalie Hutchins 

“We’re a Government that creates jobs and cares about Victorians. This Budget invests in a new mental health system, making sure Victorians have the care they need while also creating new local jobs.” 

“I know how much this issue matters to locals travelling on the Calder every day. This investment means we are one step closer to a quicker – and safer – commute for locals travelling every day on the Calder.”