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Mooloolaba state school - BER funding provides a new look

Mooloolaba State School, one of the Sunshine Coast's oldest schools, last year celebrated its 75th anniversary.

This year, the school is looking to the future, with the recent completion of their new resource centre and multi-purpose hall with an adjoining science and technology centre, thanks to $3 million funding provided under the Primary Schools for the 21st Century (P21) element of the Australian Government's Building the Education Revolution program.

Principal David Turner said the BER funding has allowed the school to establish a much stronger visual presence in the community, while providing the school's 450 students with contemporary educational resources.

"We are really excited about 2010 and the opportunities these new facilities offer in terms of working with students in new and innovative ways."

Designed by Core Architects and built by local construction company Evans Harch, the new multipurpose hall has been located near the existing administration block to allow for a more clearly defined entry to the school, while placement of an elevated resource centre on the sloping site allows for the facility to be clearly seen at street level.

"In the past, the outward appearance of our school has looked a bit dated. Now when people drive past, the school will now look a lot more appealing, and they will be able to see the quality of the school's facilities.

"We've also been able to link our new facilities to the existing school through the installation of covered walkways that include new focal points for the entries to the school," Mr Turner said.

The new multipurpose hall, complete with lighting bars and sound system, will provide a weatherproof venue for school assembly for its 450 students, and help support the school's strong performing arts program.

"It provides us with a venue for indoor sports and other school events, many which previously had to be held off site, such as the annual Twilight Concert which included performances by the choir and music groups."

With environmental sustainability in mind the new multi purpose hall includes energy efficient lighting and glazing, shading and water tanks

P&C President Briony McSwan described the multipurpose hall as an important community resource.

"From a community point of view Mooloolaba doesn't have a hall, so we are keen to see it used as a local resource. Community groups will use the hall extensively, with dance companies and martial arts groups already expressing a desire to use the new facility."

The new resource centre includes a sound proofed multimedia centre with double glazed windows, library, computers, flexible learning areas, wireless capability, and an outdoor learning area.

"The overall outcome is fabulous. What we've got now are fantastic resources for the school and the wider community," Ms McSwan said.

NSP funding also allowed the school to refurbish its original school building which, included veranda screening to create new learning areas, replacement of old doors and lining and new classroom furniture including tables on wheels.

The Queensland Government is delivering the Building the Education Revolution program to Queensland state schools on behalf of the Australian Government.

Construction of the new facilities also benefited the Sunshine Coast economy with 95% of the subcontractors employed on site coming from the local area.

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