Upgrades to schools on track
A head architect has been appointed to lead the massive upgrade of Roebourne’s only secondary school, bringing the highly anticipated project a step closer.
The $42 million revamp of Roebourne District High School was announced in August as part of the State Government’s WA Recovery Plan.
Education Minister Sue Ellery announced last week that Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects would design the new education facility, with Karratha-based Hurley Architecture and Planning working as a consultant.
The school works will include a social and culturally led learning environment for Roebourne students from pre-school to secondary school, with specific programs to engage Aboriginal children.
The new design intends to provide greater opportunities for staff and students to understand and respect Aboriginal history, culture, and language and create meaningful local jobs in the process.
RDHS principal Iain Browning said previously the funding was vital for the school as facilities were run-down and outdated.
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said she was thrilled that the school’s design would reflect the input of the Aboriginal community.
“I visited Roebourne recently so I could hear firsthand from the elders, and wider community, what they wanted in their education and training facilities, and how they can best serve those who live in the area,” she said.
“It gives me a great deal of satisfaction that we can continue to invest so heavily in the Pilbara region and provide first-class education and learning environments for students and teachers.”
The same architect will lead the $5m North Regional TAFE Minurmarghali Mia campus upgrades at the Pilbara town, which will include a new classroom block, a general modernisation of campus amenities and several 40-year-old demountable buildings’ demolition.
Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said he had been in frequent discussion with the elders in Roebourne for a long time about redeveloping the high school and TAFE.
The two projects are expected to create 150 jobs during construction.
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