By Jessica Anstice
Students at Berwick College are a step closer to having better facilities to assist in their learning now that the $1.5 million upgrade works are underway.
The State Government funding will be put towards building a new community wellbeing hub.
The building will include: consultation spaces, multipurpose spaces, quiet reflection spaces, communal cooking facilities focused on re-engaging students with education, a new sick bay, nurse’s office, GP consulting room and a store and accessible amenities.
Not only will the new facility be available for the college’s staff and students, it will also be used by various community partners – creating a hub of support for wellbeing, mental health and domestic violence education in the Casey area.
Community partnerships with the City of Casey, Headspace, DBT, Bendigo Bank Beaconsfield, Berwick Rotary Club, South Eastern Private Hospital and St John of God Berwick Hospital will further enrich the new space.
Berwick College principal Kerri Bolch said the school is “very grateful” for the funding that will enable the building to be completed.
“The future community health and wellbeing centre will provide proactive and preventative wellbeing programs, parent forums and appropriate counselling spaces for students who are disengaged or facing challenging situations,” she said.
“There will be appropriate space for our college nurse to provide medical treatment for 2250 students a year.”
Eastern Victoria MP Harriet Shing visited the college on Wednesday 26 February to tour the upgrade.
“We’re ensuring local students have the best facilities, our classrooms have the best teachers and every child is given every chance to succeed,” she said.
“The wellbeing hub will provide a place for the holistic care for the entire community.
“Local families will soon be able to enjoy this great new facility at Berwick Secondary College.”
