RACV delivers significant investment to Hester Hornbrook Academy for campus land in Dandenong

RACV has delivered a significant investment to community partner Hester Hornbrook Academy as they settled on land for their new campus in Dandenong – one of Victoria's most socioeconomically disadvantaged communities – providing a purpose-built learning environment for young people who have become disengaged from traditional school settings.

The new campus is expected to open at the start of the 2028 school year, with RACV also providing ongoing financial and in-kind support over three years to help students access their senior secondary certificate, VETiS, and develop future positive pathways.

Hester Hornbrook Academy supports young people through its HOPE – Healing Oriented Program of Education™ – that addresses both academic and holistic needs, combining classroom learning with wraparound wellbeing support.

RACV Managing Director and CEO Neil Taylor said the partnership builds on a longstanding relationship with the organisation.

"We have worked with Hester Hornbrook for a number of years now and we hope that this new partnership will further allow many more young people in the Greater Dandenong area to get a better start in life”, Mr Taylor said.

“RACV employs a significant number of people at our Noble Park site, and we hope that this new school will see us offer employment pathways to students.”

Creating inclusive employment pathways

Beyond the new campus, RACV will help expand student access to excursions, job fairs, industry placements, and structured workplace experiences designed to build confidence, skills, and long-term employability. The partnership will support the development of tailored vocational programs including Certificate II and III qualifications, apprenticeships, and short courses across industries such as hospitality, IT, and skilled trades – designed to meet students where they are and support their transition into work.

The investment has the potential to transform outcomes for young people in the region previously Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) – a cohort particularly concentrated in Greater Dandenong given the area's socioeconomic profile.

Hester Hornbrook Academy’s Executive Principal Sally Lasslett said the partnership would deliver meaningful change for students and their communities.

"RACV is an organisation that shares our values and commitment to creating pathways for young people facing disengagement from education," Ms Lasslett said.

"This partnership will make a tangible difference in the lives of our students and their communities."