SJC Receives $6M for Stage 3 Works

Thu 1 August, 2024

St Joseph’s College Echuca has received $6 million in State Government funding to progress to Stage 3 of its capital works plan.

The funding is part of the Victorian Government’s $450 million package announced in the 2023-24 Budget to build and upgrade low-fee Catholic and independent schools across the state.

The Building Fund for Non-Government Schools allocates funding for Catholic schools over one grant round. Under the fund’s Catholic stream, 65 schools will share in more than $243 million.

St Joseph’s College Principal Anne Marie Cairns welcomed this week’s funding announcement, which will enable works to continue uninterrupted on the school’s Master Plan for Kildare Campus.

“Our expansion to a multi campus school last year marked a pivotal chapter for the College, and the wider community,” Ms Cairns said.

“And while our staff and students are enjoying state-of-the-art facilities at our new Kildare Campus, our work there is not yet done.

“We are thrilled the State Government has recognised the value and importance of this ongoing project for our College and the surrounding community, and we look forward to progressing to the next stage of works.

“This funding is not just an investment in our school’s infrastructure, but in the future of our students and the local community. It allows us to continue providing the very best educational opportunities and facilities that our students deserve.”

Stage 3 of the school’s Master Plan includes a Multipurpose Learning Centre at Kildare Campus which will provide spaces for performing arts, sport and physical education, science, community use and teacher planning. This centre will include an indoor stadium with two full size basketball/netball courts and retractable seating, a 246 seat theatrette, performance stage, foyer, kiosk, and full amenities including change rooms and toilets.

There will also be an extension to the Stage 2 Learning Building to provide more classroom space for students.

Ms Cairns said Stage 3 works are expected to commence in early 2025.