New facilities at Smithfield State High setting students up for success

Published Wednesday, 20 October, 2021 at 10:15 AM

Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing
The Honourable Grace Grace

The sky’s the limit for Smithfield State High School students thanks to a $20.5 million boost from the Palaszczuk Government.

 

Education Minister Grace Grace joined Barron River MP Craig Crawford today in officially opening the school’s brand-new Centre for Athlete Development and Performing Arts (CADPA) as well as a double-storey STEM centre.

 

Ms Grace said construction of the two buildings supported 55 local jobs, contributing to Queensland’s economic recovery.

 

“The $12.1 million CADPA is an absolutely world-class facility which will be a game-changer for budding sport and performing arts stars at the school,” Ms Grace said.

 

“The Centre has two multipurpose courts, a performance stage, kiosk and box office, foyer, a sports science laboratory, five classrooms, one flexible learning space, staffroom and a meeting room.

 

“The industry-standard light and sound fittings are also giving our students the opportunity to hone their skills, whether that be as a performer, production technician or backstage crew.

 

“Our Government is committed to delivering high-quality school infrastructure that our young people deserve and here at Smithfield, that is exactly what we’re doing.”

 

Ms Grace said the equipment and facilities in the $8.4 million STEM block is supporting students to be ready for the jobs of the future.

 

“The new Centre for Innovation features cutting-edge laboratory spaces that students can use for robotics, design, STEM and other technology subjects,” she said.

 

“It includes four general classrooms, four specialist spaces, a collaborative space, staffroom, and a Wellbeing Hub where students can access health and wellbeing services in one centralised location.”

 

Mr Crawford said he was proud to see the fruition of years of lobbying for the multi-million-dollar school upgrades.

“Smithfield High came to me with this concept, it was their brainchild, and I was able to help nurture it through all levels of government,’’ Mr Crawford said.

“To see it now, just blows me away - Smithfield High has undergone a complete transformation.

“This new $12.1 million multi-purpose centre is one of the best high-performance training facilities of any school in the state.”

Mr Crawford said the Smithfield High upgrade and two new learning centres and extensions at Redlynch State College showed the rapid rate of population growth in his region.

“Smithfield and Redlynch are two big catchment areas for students in Cairns and they deserve the best facilities we can provide for a quality education.’’

Smithfield State High School Principal Frank Brunetto said the school community was relishing the new facilities.

 

“Our school now has sport and performing arts facilities that are the equal of any in the state, and exceed many professional set-ups,” he said.

 

“As well as boosting opportunities for students, the centre expands our capacity to reach out and make new connections in the community.”


While in Cairns today, Minister Grace also joined Mr Crawford in officially opening a new $10.9 million two-storey learning centre at Redlynch State College.

 

“The ‘Tony Fuller Science and Innovation Centre’ has been named after former Principal Tony Fuller who was integral in introducing programs of excellence at the school,” Ms Grace said.

 

“The Centre has a robotics room, science labs, a marine science wet area, collaborative areas and a staffroom.

 

“There’s no shortage of projects happening here in Far North Queensland – in fact, we’re investing $51.2 million towards Far North Queensland state school infrastructure this financial year.

 

“That means more jobs for tradies and world-class facilities for our local students.”  

ENDS

 

Media contact: Laura McKee 0451 997 920