The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to rebuild public education across NSW, with construction underway on a major upgrade to Vincentia High School on the state’s South Coast.
The $13 million upgrade will provide the high school with a new two-storey building featuring 16 permanent modern classrooms, replacing ageing temporary demountables, and new bathrooms.
The project also includes internal roadwork upgrades to improve safety and provide better on-site parking.
The beginning of construction marks a significant step in delivering this Labor election commitment for families on the South Coast, with the upgrades on track for completion by Day 1, Term 1, 2027.
Once complete, the upgraded high school will have capacity for 1,300 students, future-proofing the school for the growing local community.
The upgrades are being delivered as part of the Minns Labor Government’s record education investment, including $2.1 billion for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW.
This targeted investment will ensure growing communities have access to a world-class public education, close to home.
On top of the upgrades to Vincentia High School, the Minns Labor Government’s investment across South Coast schools includes:
- Batemans Bay High School – High Potential and Gifted Education upgrade
- Bomaderry High School – upgrade
- Former Shoalhaven Anglican School site – redevelopment for public education use
- Milton Public School – upgrade
- Moruya High School – High Potential and Gifted Education upgrade and new support unit
- Nowra East Public School – upgrade
- Ulladulla High School – upgrade
- Ulladulla Public School – upgrade
- Worrigee – new public school
The Minns Labor Government is also delivering new co-located public preschools at existing public schools in Barrack Heights, Berkeley West, Bomaderry, Cringila, Greenwell Point, Hayes Park, Lake Heights, Lake Illawarra, Sanctuary Point, and Worrigee.
This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver 100 new public preschools by 2027, including 49 in regional NSW.
This investment doubles the number of public preschools in the state, the largest expansion of early learning in NSW history.
Once complete, up to 9,000 children will benefit from access to fee-free, quality early education in their community, prioritised in areas of the highest need based on a rigorous selection process.
In addition to building new schools where they are needed, the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education includes ensuring each NSW classroom has a qualified teacher.
Since March 2023, the Minns Labor Government has reduced teacher vacancies by 81 per cent in the South Coast electorate, leading to a significant reduction in the number of cancelled classes.
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:
“Investing in regional communities is a top priority for the Minns Government, and this upgrade is part of our commitment to ensure all NSW students can access a world-class public education.
“For too long under the Liberals and Nationals, families on the South Coast were promised investment in education infrastructure but little was delivered.
“Our government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier Prue Car, is investing in local public schools to provide benefits to local children and their families for years to come.”
Member for the South Coast Liza Butler MP said:
“I’m so pleased to be here for another sod turn on the South Coast to see the commencement of works at Vincentia High School.
“This school upgrade will enrich the lives of every student at Vincentia High School academically, physically, and creatively for years to come.”
Vincentia High School Principal Ruth Winfield said:
“I’m so excited about what this new building will mean for our growing school. We’re proud of our strong connection to country and the diverse range of learning pathways offered to our community.”