Canning MP Andrew Hastie officially opened a new practical skills building at Austin Cove Baptist College on Friday, praising the staff and students of the growing school and acknowledging a $1 million contribution from the Turnbull Government towards completing the development.
“It was great to visit Austin Cove Baptist College to see the new facilities firsthand,” Mr Hastie said.
“Austin Cove is driven by a dedicated community of teachers and parents.
“This is just the latest addition to a growing school that is passionate about providing the best possible education for its students.”
The government committed the funding under an education capital grants program, which provides funding for non-government schools to improve capital infrastructure where they otherwise may not have sufficient funding.
The new building includes science laboratories, a science preparation area, technical skills rooms, staff rooms and stores.
Mr Hastie said the whole school community would benefit from these new facilities.
“The Australian Government is committed to putting science, technology, engineering and mathematics at the heart of school education. This building will help deliver that. It will also enable students explore a trade that would help meet Australia’s skills shortage,” he said.
“It’s critical to our nation’s future that we get more students involved in all these subjects.”
Principal Paul Venter said the school was in the process of building an indoor basketball court and recreation centre which would eventually cater for the local community as well.
“Eventually we’ll have an auditorium as well,” he said while acknowledging the role of government in helping with funding.
“Any funding is very important, just to get the infrastructure established. So very important and we’re very grateful for the capital grants we've received so far.”
Federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham said the government was “committed to improving the quality of our schools and equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.”
Austin Cove Baptist College has about 270 students in its high school and 335 studying at its primary campus.
Mr Venter said the primary school had 110 new students just last year, with students coming from Waroona, North Dandalup, Pinjarra and areas east of Mandurah.
