Exciting news at Mount Scopus’ 75 year gala
"As Mount Scopus celebrates its 75th anniversary, we have an opportunity to create something special for Melbourne's Jewish community," MSMC president Amy Hershan said.
Mount Scopus Memorial College (MSMC) celebrated 75 years at its Foundation gala dinner on Monday night, and announced it had secured the rights to purchase land at Caulfield Racecourse for a new purpose-built campus that would bring together the school’s three existing campuses along with a new Centre for Jewish Life.
The site was secured for $195 million from Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) and is on the western perimeter of Caulfield Racecourse, running from Station Street to Glen Eira College, a similar size to the school’s Burwood campus.
MSMC said the Caulfield campus will deliver new facilities for local residents and the Jewish community including a sports precinct and wellbeing centre, a sports oval, gym, pool and recreation facilities, a centre for adult education, a centre for the creative arts, as well as a synagogue and spaces for community organisations.
The deal would remove the MRC’s reported debt of $165 million, and could have implications for the Melbourne Football Club’s plans to build a base at Caulfield Racecourse.
“As Mount Scopus celebrates its 75th anniversary, we have an opportunity to create something special for Melbourne’s Jewish community and ensure its continuity and strength into the future,” MSMC president Amy Hershan said.
MSMC Foundation president David Gold stated, “We are grateful to the Victorian government for its ongoing support, and Melbourne Racing Club for sharing our vision and being a constructive partner in achieving this exciting milestone.”
MSMC is conducting consultations that will continue for two years, and announced the construction will be staged, with the first facilities expected in 2030.
At the gala there was a video message from Israel’s President Isaac Herzog as well as speeches by Premier Jacinta Allan, Opposition Leader John Pesutto and Senator James Paterson.
Allan called the plans “a great announcement”, adding, “Scopus can start preparing for the next new chapter in Caulfield.”
Condemning rising antisemitism, Pesutto said, “Words are important … but they are not enough when we are confronted with the challenges of violence and hate.”
Similarly, Paterson stated, “What you deserve and what every Australian expects is action. Action that ensures that there are finally real consequences for those who incite violence and defy the law … because unless and until there are consequences extremists will continue to be emboldened.”
The gala also featured former Israeli politician Tzipi Livni in conversation with Gemma Tognini as well as a captivating performance by Israeli Eurovision contestant Eden Golan.
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