$800,000 FUNDING FOR PARKES CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Parkes Christian School will benefit from an $800,000 Federal Government grant to go towards the construction of a new Design and Technology building.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the funding, delivered through the Capital Grants Program, would provide students with new learning spaces.

“I was delighted to meet with Parkes Christian School Principal Glen Westcott at the school just last week to discuss its plans for a $1.3 million project to build a new workshop, learning areas, a storeroom and student and staff amenities,” Mr McCormack said.

“The Federal Government is contributing $800,000 to help deliver this important upgrade.

“The funding will also go towards a refurbishment of a science classroom into a science lab.

“This wonderful school community will be further enhanced by these improvements.

“The Capital Grants Program has benefited many schools across the nation, including several in the Riverina and Central West, which has helped students and teachers thrive with access to modern facilities.”

Parkes Christian School Principal Glen Westcott said the new learning spaces would provide a raft of new opportunities for students. 

“Our current facilities are too small for what we need. The school has a heavy focus on the industrial arts with plenty of students looking to pursue hands-on projects as part of their senior studies,” Mr Westcott said.

“Having a facility where the students have a purpose-built space and equipment to undertake subjects such as engineering, timber and metals and automotive studies, will be a real benefit."

“It has been a long time in the planning and we are absolutely thrilled with this announcement.”

The Federal Government is ensuring every child gets a quality education no matter where they go to school by providing a record $314.7 billion for all Australian schools from 2018 to 2029.

“As I have said many times before, your postcode should not determine your potential or access to quality education,” Mr McCormack said.

The funding announcement is one of 158 projects approved for funding under the Capital Grants Program to begin in 2021.

Schools that want to learn more about the Capital Grants Program can visit https://www.education.gov.au/capital-grants-non-government-schools.

Shane Manning