St Joseph’s College Echuca has received $6 million from the Victorian Government to put towards its stage three capital works plan.
The plan includes the development of a multipurpose learning centre at the Kildare Campus.
The funding is part of the Victorian Government’s Building Fund for Non-Government Schools, a $450 million package to build and upgrade low-fee Catholic and independent schools.
St Joseph’s College is one of 65 schools sharing in $243 million from the fund’s Catholic schools stream.
Principal Anne Marie Cairns welcomed the announcement, which will allow master plan works to continue at the Kildare Campus.
“Our expansion to a multi campus school last year marked a pivotal chapter for the College, and the wider community,” she said.
“And while our staff and students are enjoying state-of-the-art facilities at our new Kildare Campus, our work there is not yet done.
“We are thrilled the State Government has recognised the value and importance of this ongoing project for our College and the surrounding community, and we look forward to progressing to the next stage of works.
“This funding is not just an investment in our school’s infrastructure, but in the future of our students and the local community. It allows us to continue providing the very best educational opportunities and facilities that our students deserve.”
“The multipurpose learning centre will provide spaces for performing arts, sport and physical education, science, community use and teacher planning.
It will include an indoor stadium with two full-size basketball and netball courts and retractable seating, a 246-seat theatrette, performance stage, foyer, kiosk, and full amenities including change rooms and toilets.
There will also be an extension to the stage two Learning Building, which opened in May this year, to provide more classroom space for students.
Plans for a new AFL-sized football oval at the Kildare campus were also announced in June, in a collaboration with Echuca Junior Football Club.
Ms Cairns said stage three works are expected to begin in early 2025.