As a parent in Lalor, VIC, my heart is tied to the future of our children at the Northern School for Autism (NSA). For us, it's not just about buildings; it's about creating an environment where every child feels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. This isn't merely the ambition for my own children—it's a vision for every child in our community, and a dream for every parent who wishes to see their child be given every opportunity to shine.
We urgently call on the Victorian Government and Victorian Minister for Education- Hon Ben
Carroll to commit funding in the 2026 State Budget for Stage 2 of the Northern School for
Autism’s (NSA) Secondary Campus in Lalor.
Our students can’t wait any longer.
In 2025, the NSA community celebrated the completion of Stage 1 of our Lalor Secondary
Campus — including administration, specialist, and junior classrooms. But this progress tells
only half the story.
Currently, only a third of our vulnerable secondary students have access to purpose-
built learning spaces. Our Middle and Senior students are forced to learn in outdated,
inadequate facilities that fall far short of meeting their specialised educational, emotional, and sensory needs.
Why This Matters
The Northern School for Autism supports some of Victoria’s most vulnerable young people
— students with complex needs who require tailored, structured, and safe environments to
learn, grow, and thrive.
Without Stage 2 funding:
* Large areas of the campus will remain unfinished and unusable for potentially
five years or more.
* Students will continue to learn in makeshift spaces not designed for their needs.
* Playgrounds and outdoor spaces remain insufficient and unsafe, with students
forced to stay indoors due to staggered breaks or high-risk behaviours.
* Therapeutic and academic programs are disrupted, including essential life-skills
education, movement breaks, and physical education.
Our Campus Is Already Overcapacity
We currently support 202 students across 22 classes. Enrolment is projected to rise to 260
students and 28 classes within the next five years. Yet we are under constant pressure to
accept more students — without the physical infrastructure to safely and responsibly do so.
We Need Action in the 2026 Budget
With an election looming in 2026, there is a very real risk that if funding is not committed
now, the second stage of our campus may never be built. This is a once-in-a-generation
opportunity to complete our school and provide the educational equity our students deserve.
What We’re Asking For
We ask the Hon Ben Carroll- Victorian Minister for Education to prioritise and announce
funding for NSA’s Stage 2 build in the 2026 Victorian State Budget.

Every Student Deserves Dignity and Support
Our students are entitled to an environment that reflects their dignity, supports their learning,
and protects their wellbeing. They deserve more than temporary fixes — they deserve a
finished school that meets their complex needs today and into the future.
Please sign and share this petition to help us advocate for the Northern School for Autism’s
Stage 2 build. Let’s give every student the facilities they need to reach their full potential.