In short:
Three new public schools will open in Truganina and Werribee South for Term One 2026 as Wyndham continues to grow rapidly. While the openings are welcomed, some residents are questioning whether the naming and consultation process reflects the full cultural diversity of the community.
Naming Process Under Question
Two new public schools are set to open across Wyndham for Term One 2026, as the municipality continues to absorb rapid population growth in its western and southern suburbs.
The new schools are Ngurraga School in Werribee South and Yurran P-9 College, also in Werribee South.
The Victorian Government has selected Aboriginal names for all two schools as part of its approach to embedding First Nations perspectives in new education settings.
The state government says it is guided by First Nations people when determining how Aboriginal perspectives are included in schools and kindergartens.
Its engagement framework is centred on supporting self-determination, respecting First Nations priorities and intellectual property, and ensuring communication is timely, culturally safe and directed to the appropriate groups.
Government guidance also emphasises the importance of shared understanding around when engagement occurs, supporting relationships between Traditional Owners, schools and communities, meeting commitments, and building staff capability by learning from previous consultations.
Engagement meetings for new schools typically include Traditional Owners, Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Groups, Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc staff, Marrung Facilitators, Victorian School Building Authority delivery project officers and project architects.
School principals or kindergarten directors may attend if Traditional Owners are supportive, with VSBA communications advisers leading engagement meetings.
While the opening of the new schools is broadly welcomed, the naming process has prompted discussion within the local community.
Wyndham is one of the most culturally diverse municipalities in Australia, with residents from a wide range of cultural, linguistic and faith backgrounds reflected in its school-aged population.
Some residents are questioning why broader cultural consultation does not form part of the process, asking whether the full diversity of Wyndham’s communities is being represented in decisions that will shape the identities of future generations.
As enrolments continue to surge in Wyndham, the two new schools are expected to play a critical role in meeting demand, while the broader conversation around consultation, representation and diversity in public education continues.
FOLLOW US
