Frustrated West Australian parents are taking matters into their own hands, fundraising to install air-conditioning in their children's schools rather than waiting for the Cook Government to deliver on its election promise to cool classrooms. This grassroots action comes as the State Government faces scrutiny over the slow rollout of its $89 million "cool the schools" initiative.
Government Pledge Faces Implementation Hurdles
Almost one year after the initiative was announced, The West Australian revealed that only three of the 45 older schools selected for upgraded air-conditioning have received the promised reverse-cycle systems. This slow progress has left many school communities questioning the timeline for completion as the new academic year approaches.
Minister Defends Rollout Process
WA Minister Tony Buti addressed the issue at a press conference, explaining the complexities involved. "What people have to understand is it's not just a matter of putting the air-conditioning in like you do at home," he stated. "A lot of these schools have structural issues, it's a major exercise."
Minister Buti emphasized that funding is not the problem, but rather the practical challenges of implementation. "The money's there. It's the issue of getting the tradespeople, ensuring that the planning is done for that school, to allow it to be installed," he clarified. "So the commitment has been made, the investment's been made, and the 45 schools will receive their upgraded air-conditioning."
Parent-Led Initiatives Fill the Gap
At Dianella Primary College, which is not included in the first wave of 45 schools, the Parents and Citizens Association has launched a fundraising campaign to install air-conditioning units themselves. The P&C fired up the barbecue outside Mirrabooka Bunnings on Saturday, hosting a sausage sizzle to raise funds for nine reverse-cycle units across the campus.
P&C president Megan Tehnas explained the school's situation, noting there are 12 classrooms that need air-conditioning and the school "just doesn't quite have the budget" at the moment. They have set a $20,000 target for the installation project.
Personal Impact Drives Community Action
The need for cooler classrooms is personal for many families. Ms. Tehnas shared that her daughter Lalia has been affected by the heat, saying "My daughter has been coming home pretty dead" and often comments, "Mum it's not cool we don't have air-con."
Lalia has even contributed to the fundraising effort, last year setting up a stall selling her Christmas-themed creations and raising approximately $260 towards the air-conditioning project. According to Ms. Tehnas, the public school is currently working with local members Amber-Jade Sanderson and Anne Aly to secure additional funding needed for the upgrades.
Political Criticism Mounts
Shadow education minister Liam Staltari expressed astonishment that only three schools out of the 45 were equipped for the new school year. "School starts in just over a week," he noted. "As students head back to class, I'm sure most of these communities would have expected upgraded air-conditioning to be installed already, or at the very least, an allocation of money or a timetable for installation."
Mr. Staltari criticized the lack of transparency, stating "What's worse, they have refused to come clean on which schools are next and which will be forced to wait for years. It's a betrayal of these school communities' trust."
Community Spirit Prevails
Despite the challenges, the Dianella Primary College community remains determined. Ms. Tehnas highlighted their successful fundraising for a library upgrade last year and expressed confidence in their collective effort. "We have a lovely community and everyone is willing to chip in together to get things done," she said. "I suppose this is why the P&C exists, to fill the gaps."
The school has received State Government funding for "much-needed" shade sails in the kindergarten area and a vital boost to the breakfast club, which provides free morning meals to students. However, the air-conditioning remains a pressing concern that the community is addressing through its own initiatives while awaiting government action.
