A $10 million community stadium and community theatre is on the horizon for Fountain Gate Secondary College, if the Liberals and Nationals form government at next month’s State Election.
Liberal candidate for Narre Warren North Timothy Dragan and South Eastern Metropolitan MP Gordon-Rich Phillips were invited to the school on Wednesday 26 October, to see the benefit the facilities could have for students.
To accommodate the needs of its student cohort, as well as address the needs of the community, the school is proposing to construct a new community stadium, and refurbish the existing stadium into a new community theatre.
The school is one of the largest secondary colleges in Melbourne’s southeast and is still growing.
Fountain Gate Secondary College principal Jo Cucchiara said the facilities would allow students to “turn their aspirations into reality”.
“The opportunities for students to tap into the creative arts will be second to none,” she said.
“We’re a very multicultural school and the students want to be able to celebrate their cultural heritage and performing arts centre will be a place for them to really unlock their aspirations.
“In terms of sport, it’s about making sure kids that want to follow that pathway also have that opportunity and these facilities would be the space that they could do that.”
Outside of school hours, community groups will have the option to utilise the spaces for concerts, performances, exhibitions, sporting competitions and other events.
Mr Dragan said he was excited to contribute to encouraging students who are interested in performing arts and sport to develop their passion through the facilities.
“A range of nearby local schools and organisations have shown their support for the project, including nearby primary schools and fitness groups, showing the need across the community for the delivery of this project,” he said.
Shadow Minister for Education, David Hodgett said not only should students and teachers enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, but the wider community.
“These new facilities will comprise a world-class sporting and arts venues a place where students can develop their skills and interests.
“The Liberals and Nationals are invested in the future of our children across Victoria, and today’s announcement is a big part of that.”
