Independent schools VISBGA Funding

WHDA has specialist knowledge and expertise to support growing schools across Victoria. We have a track record of working with Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) and Victorian Government Department of Education (VSBA) schools, who are in varying stages of growth and development to support students on campus.

To assist school leaders in meeting their grant application process for the Victorian Independent Schools Block Grant Authroity VISBGA Australian Capital Grants programme, we have created a straightforward timeline of services of the required activities.

This includes:

• Site Masterplan

• Feasibility Study of Preferred Project (Stage)

• Grant Application Lodgement

• Developed Design Report

• Grant Application Confirmation

The Opportunity

Having a Site Masterplan helps! Often a Site Masterplan is vital so any Independent School Leader can propose a project that is consistent with sound educational planning which considers learning outcomes, the environment and operations on campus. Especially in relation to the cost, size and use of the facilities to be funded.

A Site Masterplan is a strategic tool, that will place your school ahead of the cue, giving you confidence and being prepared for what is to come on your school campus.

Choose an award-winning team of educational & public works experts to bring your VISBGA funding application to life, and to help school leaders meet the future needs on their campuses.

Here is what other school leaders have said about us:

“The design of our school building plays a crucial role in shaping the learning environment and influencing the experiences of both students and staff. Our new building and Library have been meticulously designed with the aim of fostering an inclusive and engaging space for all members of the school community. The design reflects our commitment to providing a positive, dynamic, and supportive environment for learning and working….our project was managed exceptionally well by the architects, WHDA, which is evidenced by the sensational buildings that we now enjoy.”

- Helen Freeman, Principal, Syndal South Primary School, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country, Glen Waverley VIC

“We were so excited with the work of the WHDA, from the first meeting. We were grateful for their ability to listen to how we worked, taught and moved around and the way we wanted to do this in the future.  Even with the specific restrictions of using the same floor print they delivered a design perfectly suited to what we needed.  I don’t think we have wasted a millimetre of space….  We love that the court is central to the school, something we hadn’t considered until pointed out. We were listened to and certainly heard with a throw away comment on being annoyed with car seats lying around evolving into a specialised cupboard to house these. Its these little things which make the difference.”

 - Jodi Walters, Principal, Swan Hill Specialist School, Wamba Wamba, Latji Latji, Tatti Tatti, Wadi Wadi and Barapa Barapa Country VIC

“Working with the WHDA team … was a valuable experience. From the interview process right up until the end, we felt that we were part of the team where our ideas were welcomed, valued and often shared. Having work with professionals that could see things differently provided us with often a clearer understanding of the why, what and how. They shared every aspect of the process with us, defining terms and conditions and ensuring we were part of the journey. Our regular meetings enabled us to have the conversation, ask the question and follow up with concerns…. WHDA were constantly following up with the builders and raising the bar of expectation… The completed playground is a constant hive of activity everyday.”

 - Melinda Slocombe, Principal, Aurora School, Wurundjeri-balluk Country, Blackburn South VIC

“We were blown away with WHDA’s timely delivery and submission of our Grant Application to the Victorian Independent Schools Block Grant Authority (VISBGA) for our proposed library and learning space. We absolutely loved the conceptual ideas and critical thinking demonstrated in the scheme, and we believe his design for the space would help us give agency to our students who have specialist needs. WHDA more than exceeded our expectations.”

- Steve McAllister, Principal, Bairnsdale Christian Community School, Gunaikurnai Country, Bairnsdale VIC

Need help? Why not get in touch?

Who we are

WHDA is a people-focused architectural practice. Based in Naarm Melbourne, serving all of Victoria.

WHDA exists to to serve the public good - that’s why we practice!

Through our design skills, we try to see the world through the eyes of our clients to advocate for common sense solutions to complex problems.

When you work with WHDA, we listen.

WHDA embraces collaboration with all our project partners. We all have a role to play.

When you work with WHDA, what you see is what you get