ECG Secondary College Unveils New Building, Marking a Major Milestone
On the 27th of June 2024, ECG Secondary College celebrated the grand opening of its new building, marking a significant milestone for the school. This new building is designed to improve the educational experience for students and represents a major step forward in the school’s ongoing development.
Established in 2015 with only 9 students, the ECG Leongatha campus has grown substantially, with many more on the waitlist for available positions. This impressive expansion highlights the school’s dedication to providing quality education and a supportive learning environment. The introduction of year 9-10 programs this year further expands the school’s curriculum, demonstrating its dedication to positively impacting lives and creating learning opportunities for all.
The new principal Russel Praetz spoke at the opening ceremony, emphasising the collective effort involved in bringing the project to fruition. He highlighted the hard work in planning, sequencing, and coordinating the necessary contingencies required to deliver a major project on a live operating site and stressed the significant planning and commitment involved. He expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the project, especially Bridget Cornish, Campus Lead for leading the school community and maintaining normal operations during the project.
Russel also highlighted the unique educational model of ECG, describing it as bespoke and tailored to the individual needs of students. “ECG provides optimism to individuals and their families who may have previously experienced disengagement from learning opportunities or felt disenfranchised by the traditional model of mainstream education,” he said. “Our model is customised to ensure students experience connection, success, and accomplishment. This is made possible by our highly skilled workforce, which creates an inclusive environment that embraces neurodiversity and values positive relationships.
The new building, with its modern, bright, and inviting spaces, will serve as the backdrop for the school’s ongoing innovation and excellence. It stands as a testament to ECG’s commitment to fostering a nurturing and dynamic educational environment.
Dale Gemmell, CEO of Community College Gippsland (CCG), remarked on the school’s impressive journey and future aspirations. “Since the inception of the ECG Leongatha campus in 2015 with just 9 students, our journey has been nothing short of remarkable,” he said. “Today, we proudly serve over 75 students, a testament to our dedication to providing quality education and fostering a nurturing learning environment. This year marks another significant milestone with the introduction of year 9-10 programs, expanding our curriculum and enhancing our educational offerings.”
He continued, “In addition to the significant investment we have made in upgrading our facilities, we have also secured a 20-year lease with 2 x 5-year extensions, ensuring long-term stability and the ability to plan for the future with confidence. The progression and development around the campus are continuously evolving, reflecting our commitment to growth and innovation. Our new building stands as a symbol of this evolution, equipped with facilities to support our students’ educational journies and personal growth.”
In closing, Dale thanked all involved in the project, extending special thanks to John-Paul Mitilineos and the Department of Education and Training, Lindy McArdle, Independent Schools Victoria, Alan and Matthew from Crosier Scott Architects, Fleetwood Australia who built the new classrooms, Mark Kelly and the facilities team of CCG along with our builder Stephen Twining and countless local contractors, Lynn Mizen, for end-to-end project management and Irasha White, Bridget Cornish and everyone involved in organising this event.
The new building at ECG Secondary College stands as a beacon of hope and progress, promising a brighter future for its students and the broader community.
For more information about ECG https://ecg.vic.edu.au/ | 03 5622 6000 | info@ecg.vic.gov.au.
Media enquiries:
Irasha White
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Community College Gippsland
03 5622 6000
