By BRIDGET SCOTT
ELITE sports students in the City of Casey could soon have a new facility if a local principal’s hopes become a reality.
Hallam Secondary College principal Anne Martin has proposed to have a new sports academy developed somewhere in the south-east.
While Hallam Secondary College already has a large sports academy, Ms Martin is hoping to establish an institute which would school young champions from across the cities of Casey and Greater Dandenong and Cardinia Shire.
The teacher has written letters of proposal to the Local, State and Federal Government, explaining that the current facilities at Hallam Secondary were fast becoming too small.
Hallam Secondary College has 300 students as part of its sports academy.
“Our grounds are overused and it is becoming more difficult for us to improve what we’re doing here, and for young people in the community,” Ms Martin said.
She has already started thinking of possible locations for the facility, including vacant schools in the City of Casey. However no decision has been made as planning was still in the early stages.
“I’ve been looking at possible locations and talking to different levels of government,” she said.
“I have wondered if we could use one of the closed schools as an option. I am hopeful of having a conversation with departments about the possibility of this.”
Ms Martin said she was aware that there was a long road ahead but was conscious of trying to do what was best for the area’s up and coming sports men and women.
She also said that if this idea went ahead, the school would come under the umbrella of Hallam Secondary College.
“We would have it here if we could, but space and ground development is a real issue,” she said.
The school has contacted the City of Casey proposing the idea, and City of Casey councillor Mick Morland has asked that council grant Ms Martin permission to come and speak to the other councillors.
Cr Morland said he was happy to show his support.
“What they are looking for is support,” he said.
“I thought I can’t see how we can help – but we can go in as an advocate.”
Cr Morland said that hopefully council could help them find a facility.
The councillor said he was more than happy to support an idea that involved students working hard.
“It teaches them that you are not a star by yourself, you’re a star as a team,” he said.
“I am supportive of any young person working hard to achieve their dreams.”
