$4.2 million upgrade to Broadford school

A $4.4-million upgrade to Broadford Secondary College has resulted in state-of-the-art classrooms, a refurbished library and a new literacy centre.

The upgrade also means more accessible toilets, outdoor learning spaces and landscaping works at the school.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes officially opened the building on Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The ceremony began with a traditional smoking ceremony followed by a speech from principal David Mills.

“Jaclyn, our very first phone conversation to now seems so long ago, however the designing and building for the new school of excellence – I’m pleased to announce has been delivered on time and on budget,” Mr Mills said.

Ms Symes said as a Broadford resident, she was proud to deliver for her community.

“Today we’re not just celebrating a fantastic building, we’re also celebrating the potential of every student that attends Broadford Secondary College,” she said.

“I really think that these amazing facilities are sending messages about how important your education is.

“When I went to school, you were in a classroom with a locked door and a few windows maybe – it really wasn’t about collaboration.

“That’s not really how we learn and get the best out of our young people these days – so you’ve really got buildings that enable you to learn the skills like collaboration and creativity and succeed in whatever you do.”

The much needed upgrade to the school involved demolishing buildings that were built in 1962.

The refurbishment of Broadford Secondary College follows State Government funding of more than $120,000 for lighting upgrades to the school’s sporting oval, a new modern portable building, heating and cooling for the gym and landscaping improvements.