Petition Coburg High, Secondary Instrumental Music Program (SIMP)

Issue:

This petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly to the urgent funding required to fund Coburg High School’s (CHS) Instrumental Music program. CHS boasts a thriving instrumental music program with over 200 talented students. This program is highly valued by the wider school community, as evidenced by the strong attendance (and long waiting lists for tickets) at musical events throughout the year. In 2022, the Victorian Government School Music Programs Evaluation Final Report was released. This identified a lack of transparency and significant funding inequities for Instrumental Music across Victoria, particularly the North-West Victoria Region (of which CHS is a part). Despite increased funding in 2023 (an extra $22,812, to make a total of $79,725), CHS has continued to miss out on fair funding that reflects its growing need, with a funding shortfall well in excess of $100,000 per year.

Action:

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly calls on the Victorian Government to ensure CHS is allocated its full and fair allocation of Instrumental Music funding for the 2025 school year and beyond - without any staggered implementation - as a matter of urgency.