$12 million investment renews Everton Park State High School

Students at Everton Park State High School (SHS) are enjoying a brand-new state of the art performing arts centre as part of the $12 million (GST inclusive) investment thanks to the Queensland Government’s Renewing Our Schools (ROS) program.

Education Minister Grace Grace officially opened the new centre today, along with a new administration building and student canteen.

“The Queensland Government is committed to providing quality education facilities in growing communities and supporting jobs as part of Queensland’s COVID-19 economic recovery plan,” Ms Grace said.

“Everton Park SHS was among 26 Queensland schools to benefit from the $235 million ROS program.

“The ROS program has delivered both new and refurbished facilities based on the needs of each school.

“The new performing arts centre includes a dance studio, three drama rooms, two music learning spaces, practice rooms and instrument storage, dressing rooms, amenities. The foyer has its own box office and an outdoor gathering area.

“We have also delivered a new administration building and other upgrades to hospitality facilities, as well a new student canteen.

“These significant works have been delivered by FK Gardner and Sons Pty Ltd and the projects supported approximately 12 jobs.”

Everton Park SHS Principal Sue Wallace said the school community was extremely happy with the new facilities.

“Everton Park SHS is an older school – we are celebrating our 60^th anniversary this year – so it is wonderful to celebrate with these new and refreshed facilities,” Ms Wallace said.

“The students and teachers have been enjoying them very much, and also love that we were able to have the new buildings painted in the school colours.

“We are hosting a special 60^th anniversary event in the new performing arts centre tonight which will be a real highlight for the year.”

Ms Grace said recent 2021-22 State Budget had invested $15.3 billion in school and early childhood education.

“The new education budget is an investment in Queensland’s future, helping to create jobs and drive our economic recovery from COVID,” Ms Grace said.

“We’re investing almost $1.9 billion in school and early childhood infrastructure to maintain, renew and build new facilities - including 10 new schools and other facilities.

“And this will support more than 4100 jobs across the state.”

Media contact: Courtney Hoogen on 0439 341 314

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31 July 2021