Building the Education Revolution (BER)

In February 2009 the Australian Federal Government announced a $42 billion National Building - Economic Stimulus Plan, providing economic stimulus by supporting jobs and infrastructure project. Building the Education Revolution (BER) was the single largest element of the Australian Government’s investment, being $16.2 billion through new infrastructure and refurbishments, to all eligible Australian schools to modernise schools in every community across Australia - with funding approved for 10,567 projects in 7,960 schools including new libraries, multipurpose halls, classrooms and the refurbishment of existing facilities.

 

The $1.28 billion National School Pride (NSP) program funding approved for 12,743 projects in 9,495 schools, including the refurbishment of buildings and construction or upgrade of fixed shade structures, covered outdoor learning areas, sporting grounds and facilities and green upgrades. The submission process timeline was extremely tight with applications in by late March 2009. Our school was fortunate enough to be eligible to participate in both of these projects with a grant for $2.5 mio for BER and $150,000 for NSP.

 

In May 2009 the school multipurpose basketball court was covered with a shade cover which further enhanced and extended the use of this facility.

 

In 2009 the school had planned to invest $800 000 to complete the Red Shed extension Stage 2, being 2 additional classrooms, office and Multipurpose Room. This development was able to be part of the BER application. Work started on this project in May 2009 and was completed in December 2009 so that the area could house students in 2010.

 

Our Master plan was fast tracked with the assistance of school architects and the Hall extension was submitted as a second project. This project incorporated a larger Hall area and a new two storey development of General learning areas, including an Art room, OSHC area, flexible music practice areas and private music tuition rooms. Existing substandard learning areas were to be refurbished. A new audio, visual and lighting system was commissioned to support the new Hall area. This work commenced in December 2009 and was completed in September 2010. Sarah Constructions, who were just completing the Concordia Murtoa project, were appointed as builders of these projects.

 

All of these building works have been completed in time so that for the 2011 school year, when our school has completed the growth of the school from ELC to double streaming of Reception to Year 6, it will be a valuable asset to all school students and the extended community.

 

The total cost of both projects was over $3,700,000 with the school contributing over $1,200,000. We thank all the families that have supported the school by way of matched deposits through LLL and also the continued support for our building fund.   

 

We are absolutely delighted with all our new facilities and the BER has provided an amazing opportunity for our school’s development.