Whitfield State School celebrates opening of new facilities

The students at Whitfield State School in Cairns today celebrated the official opening of a new general learning and music block, a prep classroom, playground area and a covered sports facility.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford and Member for Cairns, Desley Boyle, officially opened the new facilities that will help meet enrolment growth at the school.

“The air-conditioned general learning and music block has two general classrooms and music facilities including a music classroom, dance area, instrument practice room and instrument storeroom,” Mr Welford said.

“Our Government has contributed more than $1.67 million towards the cost of building the new general learning and music block and an adjacent playground area.

“We also provided $242,000 to build the new prep classroom and a further $115,000 towards the cost of building the covered sports facility.

“Our Government is planning for and managing growth by building facilities such as these to meet enrolment increases now and into the future.”

Ms Boyle congratulated the school community for its vision in contributing more than $200,000 towards the new sport covered facility.

“The school community has invested wisely in the students’ future,” Ms Boyle said.

“Parents at the school also donated an amazing $50,000 worth of surveying, site testing, engineering, earthworks, and plumbing and drainage works carried out on the sports facility site.

“I understand fundraising is continuing so that lighting can be installed and the covered sports facility can be used by local sporting and community groups.”

Mr Welford said the State Government had contributed $2.3 million for capital and minor works projects at Whitfield State School since 2001, including funding for new prep classrooms, relocatable classroom buildings and an electrical upgrade.

“Our Government wants the students of this region, like all students in Queensland, to have high-quality, modern education facilities and the best possible learning environment to help them reach their potential.”

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 0419 734 985