First sod turned on $2.5m ECG expansion

ECG SECONDARY College’s Leongatha campus is set to see some growth, as a $2.5 million expansion officially launched on Thursday, August 20.

Community College Gippsland (CCG) staff, students, community members and councillors gathered at the Howard Street campus for the sod turning ceremony.

The Victorian Government has provided $1.89 million towards the development, while the CCG will have to contribute close to $650,000 from its capital reserves and annual funding.

Despite providing funding for the project, no Victorian Government representative attended the ceremony.

The expansion will deliver new classrooms across both junior and senior areas, a student lounge, undercover learning spaces, toilets and a purpose-built workshop.

The basketball court will also be moved to make way for new modular buildings.

With the upgrades, the campus capacity will grow from 85 to 140 students.

CCG Executive Business Manager Brad Michie said the senior precinct would receive two classrooms, a student lounge and an undercover deck.

Two general-purpose classrooms, toilets and an undercover learning area will be built close to the junior building, while a 20-by-six-metre workshop will help to support practical subjects like horticulture and art.

Mr Michie said the buildings would be manufactured off-site, reducing disruption to the students while construction takes place.

“We’re going to try and get all this done during the term break, and hopefully by the start of the next year, we have those in place ready to use,” he said.

CCG Chief Executive Dale Gemmell said the organisation had secured a 30-year lease from the state government several years ago, giving it the confidence to continue investing in the site.

The first stage of redevelopment cost about $1.5 million and delivered many of the existing buildings the campus has now, while this latest stage will cost about $2.5 million.

Mr Gemmell said the project would expand educational opportunities for the students, and it would support vocational programs like hairdressing, beauty, horticulture, music and community services.

College principal Russel Praetz said existing facilities restricted enrolments to 85 students and were not suitable for delivering some vocational programs.

The current campus also lost some space when they previously had to demolish buildings that were found to contain asbestos.

“I think whenever you step into new fit-for-purpose classrooms, the learning improves without a doubt,” Mr Praetz said.

“Extra space means that we can provide opportunities for students that currently can’t access the school.”

He said ECG provided an individualised option for students who felt anxious, overwhelmed or out of place in mainstream education.

Students generally remain with the same teacher throughout the week, which allows staff to better understand their learning needs and make some adjustments when necessary.

South Gippsland Shire Mayor Nathan Hersey also attended the event and said the council would continue to advocate for opportunities that enable young people to study and work locally.

“I see this as being another part of that journey into the future,” Cr Hersey said.

Cr Steve Finlay said offering alternatives to mainstream education was particularly important for students experiencing anxiety, bullying, or any other issue, such as readjusting after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The more options we have, the better,” he said.

“The $1.89 million going towards the school is money well spent, as far as I’m concerned, for Leongatha.”