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On average, Benalla kids do not do as well at school as students from other parts of the State. There is a lower level of expectation about how our kids will do at school because of the high level of social disadvantage experienced in Benalla.

Since 2007 Tomorrow:Today has been researching this issue, working with many organisations and experts, to develop a program of action to improve Benalla students’ educational outcomes. Our long term goal is that by 2030, the education and training completion rates for Benalla’s 17 to 24 year olds will equal or exceed the Victorian average for non-disadvantaged districts.

In relation to education, Benalla has a number of problems that are either the consequence of social disadvantage, or that increase levels of social disadvantage. To find out more, go to the report from the Education Program Community Advisory Committee, ‘Improving Benalla Student Outcomes October 31 2008’, at the bottom of the page.

The ‘Program Summary September 2009’ below outlines the Education Program that Tomorrow:Today has developed. It is a whole of community, long term (10 year) program that spans family, community and school life.

The Education Program aims to achieve significant and sustained improvement in:

• number of students completing Year 12 (VCE or VCAL)
• number of Benalla’s young people (17 to 20year olds) transitioning to tertiary education
• number of Benalla’s young people (18 to 24years) completing a diploma or degree
• number of Benalla’s young people successfully completing an apprenticeship

To achieve these improvements, the Program’s objectives are that:

• All Benalla & District children start school ready to learn
• Literacy and numeracy levels are measurably improved
• Student-assessed levels of wellbeing are improved to moderate or high
• Family and community raise expectations of students to go on to tertiary education and training.


As a community foundation, Tomorrow:Today is able to bring together everyone with an interest in Benalla’s kids. When public agencies, private business, local families, schools, local government, community groups and external philanthropy all work together, with the common focus of improving Benalla student outcomes, there’s an opportunity for real change.

The first five year phase of the Program has begun. 2010 is our Foundation Year, establishing systems and projects; and ensuring 'dovetailing' with existing services. Funding for the commencement period has been donated locally by private citizens and the Victorian Department Education & Early Childhood Development (Hume Region) and through generous grants from philanthropic partners including the Ian Potter Foundation, R.E. Ross Trust, Yulgilbar Foundation, Rural Education Program, Newsboys and the Jack Brockhoff Foundation. Our sincere thanks to all our donors.

The program will consist of three parts:
1. School readiness and early years (0 to 8 years)
2. Wellbeing of students (focus on teenagers)
3. Transition to tertiary education

Please contact our office if you are interested in helping to address disadvantage in Benalla district.

Together we will make a difference.