Teachers from Dandenong were among hundreds from across Victoria today for long-serving dedication to students and families, at the Recognition of Service to Victorian Education awards.

Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, congratulated those being honoured for 40, 45 and 50 years of service to education at the awards, most of whom were teachers. Many of those recognised would have found today’s classrooms almost unrecognisable when they started as graduates, with rows of desks, blackboards and chalk now replaced by flexible classrooms, interactive whiteboards and iPads.

The Recognition of Service awards are a chance to acknowledge dedication and hard work of the Department of Education and Training’s teachers and staff.

A total of 264 teacher and staff were recognised for 40 years of service, 98 were recognised for 45 years of service and 21 were recognised for 50 years of service. Those recognised included four outstanding educators from Dandenong Schools;

The Victorian Government is building the Education State so that every Victorian has the opportunity at a great education, no matter where they live or what their background.The 2016-17 State Budget delivered an unprecedented $1.1 billion investment in school infrastructure, including a record $924 million for capital works and an extra $200 million for maintenance.

The Victorian Government has also provided $21.6 million to help all government school teachers implement the new Victorian Curriculum, which will help equip Victorian students for the jobs of tomorrow.