Senator Linda Reynolds CSC officially opened the George and Despina Berbatis Gymnasium at St Andrew’s Grammar School in Dianella.

Students and staff at St Andrew’s Grammar School now have full use of the multi-purpose sports complex comprising of a multi-purpose court, change rooms, toilets, a general learning area and store rooms.  The Australian Government provided $483,671 in funding from the Capital Grants Programme.

Senator Reynolds attended the opening on behalf of Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, Minister for Education and Training.

‘I was pleased to visit St Andrew’s Grammar School and see firsthand the new facilities,’ Senator Reynolds said.

‘Students and the whole school community will benefit from using the new facilities.’

‘Sport is about improvement, strategy and fair play. The lessons learnt on the football field, netball court, running track or swimming pool are lessons for life,’ Senator Reynolds said.

The Australian Government is providing higher levels of school funding than ever before—a record $69.4 billion in total Commonwealth funding over the forward estimates in all states and territories. This represents an increase in funding of 27.3 per cent from 2014–15.

As well as delivering increased funding, the Australian Government is focusing on quality and choice for schools.

‘While buildings alone do not make a great school, I hope students and staff will enjoy learning and be inspired by these new facilities,’ Minister Birmingham said.

‘The Australian Government is committed to improving the quality of our schools and equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive world,’ Minister Birmingham said.

Minister Birmingham is responsible for the Capital Grants Programme, which provides funding for non-government schools to improve capital infrastructure where they otherwise may not have access to sufficient capital resources.

Media Contacts;

Senator Reynolds media: 08 9368 6633

Minister Birmingham media: James Murphy 0478 333 974 or Nick Creevey 0447 664 957