Premier Mark McGowan and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today joined Southern River MLA Terry Healy and local school and community representatives to officially unveil the completed upgrades at Southern River College.
The $8.4 million upgrades, a key McGowan Government election commitment, include a new science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) laboratory, eight modern science classrooms, a refurbished sports hall and eight new sports courts for netball, basketball and tennis.
There is also a new performing arts space, lecture theatre and staff study, while the college’s specialist autism program centre also underwent a $250,000 upgrade which included refurbishment of classrooms and staff study, toilets and courtyard.
A further $650,000 was allocated for maintenance work.
Construction on the college upgrades was one of the pilot projects of the McGowan Government Western Australian Industry Participation Strategy, underpinned by the WA Jobs Law.
The Southern River College work was completed by ADCO Constructions, and the project directly and indirectly employed up to 400 workers, including 53 apprentices.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“The new $8.4 million worth of upgrades to Southern River College will enhance local students’ education and prepare our kids for the jobs of the future.
“My Government is committed to creating local jobs and improving infrastructure in Western Australian public schools, which is why I’m pleased so many local workers and apprentices carried out this project.
“As one of our key election commitments, this is a win-win situation, with local workers, local businesses and local students all benefiting from the upgrades to Southern River College.”
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“The upgrades to Southern River College will benefit the school, students, staff, and wider school community today and into the future.
“No matter if a student has a keen interest in science, sport, or the arts, there is potential for all students to achieve outstanding results thanks to the new state-of-the-art learning facilities.
“The college’s autism program centre will also benefit immensely thanks to the $250,000 upgrades.”
As stated by Southern River MLA Terry Healy:
“As a former teacher at Southern River College, I know how important these upgrades are for the students and staff at the school.
“Dedicated science classrooms and a STEM laboratory will give students the opportunity to learn the skills of the future, while the new performing arts centre and additional sports courts mean kids can continue to hone their outstanding drama and sporting skills.
“I made a promise to the Southern River community that I would deliver these upgrades and today I’m proud to say I have fulfilled this commitment.”
