Ms Cleeland said local schools in several towns across the region were crying out for upgrades.
“Improving the facilities at our regional schools was a high priority for many of our local families, students, teachers and education staff members during the past year,” she said.
“Sadly, we have been left disappointed, with Labor’s promises to provide $13 million worth of upgrades at Broadford Primary School being broken, and towns like Kilmore and Heathcote still not having a public secondary school.
“We are hoping to see this government take regional education more seriously in this year’s budget, with improvements to our local schools prioritised for the benefit of our entire region.”
To advocate for the establishment of a public high school in Kilmore, Ms Cleeland has been helping sponsor petitions, raised the issue in parliament and shared local concerns with ministers and the treasurer.
“Residents have made it crystal clear — Kilmore needs a public secondary school,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Families in Kilmore are being forced to send their 12-year-olds on long, exhausting commutes because this government refuses to invest in a school right here in town.
“Kilmore is not just growing — it’s booming.
“Labor needs to stop treating our region like an afterthought and deliver the educational facilities our kids deserve.”
Ms Cleeland said she had also advocated for improvements at the schools in Broadford.
“The Nationals made an election commitment to upgrading Broadford Secondary College — something that at the time was not matched by Labor,” she said.
“This continued advocacy for improvements forced Labor to come to the table and provide the school with much-needed upgrades to reduce enrolment pressure.”
The Victorian budget for 2025-26 will be released on Tuesday, May 20.
The Telegraph has contacted the Victorian Government for comment, but has not received a response.
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