- Roebourne District High School's $94 million redevelopment designed to meet the needs of students in the Pilbara
- Cook Government invested $73.9 million with an additional $20 million contribution from Woodside Energy through the Resources Community Investment Initiative
- School with stateoftheart, culturally responsive facilities officially opened
- One of four Western Australian schools participating in new Connected Community School trial
Roebourne District High School's multimillion-dollar redevelopment has been completed ahead of schedule, enabling students to begin the new school year in the upgraded facilities.
The project was possible thanks to $73.9 million in funding from the Cook Government, with a further $20 million contribution from Woodside Energy, through the Resources Community Investment Initiative (RCII).
Located on Ngarluma country, the redevelopment was designed in consultation with the Roebourne school community, which included Ngarluma, Yindjibarndi, and Banyjima language groups.
The school's new facilities were created to acknowledge Aboriginal culture, foster pride in identity, and provide greater opportunities for staff and students to understand and respect Indigenous history, culture, and language.
The redevelopment includes a new primary school alongside a state-of-the-art multipurpose hall designed for sports, performance, music, and dance.
The project also includes new administration facilities, a welcoming hub for student services, a cafeteria, science spaces, a modern library, and a cultural hub for language and cultural programs.
The redevelopment also features extensive external landscaping, including culturally designed yarning circles and a large welcome circle that will greet visitors and provide a unique outdoor venue for performances and presentations.
The project further incorporates new car parking facilities and new playground areas to enhance accessibility and create vibrant community spaces.
A new high school building has also been completed providing classrooms for high school students, including breakout spaces for engagement programs made possible through Woodside Energy's contribution.
Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects led the design process, while ADCO Construction Pty Ltd carried out the construction work, which started in June 2023. The project was completed ahead of schedule in time for the new school year and officially opened today.
It forms part of the Cook Government's record investment of more than $5.9 billion in education infrastructure across Western Australia, including in regional areas.
Roebourne District High School is also one of four Western Australian public schools taking part in the $21 million Connected Community School trial, which commenced this term.
Funded under the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement with the Albanese Labor Government, the four-year trial aims to ensure families can easily access community health and social services, while improving students' educational and wellbeing outcomes beyond the classroom.
The school has already engaged a Student Wellbeing Officer through Anglicare to be on-site three days per week and is repurposing the former secondary block into a Connected Community Hub to bring education, health, wellbeing, and community services together in one place.
Other schools selected for the landmark trial include Ashburton Drive Primary School, Clarkson Primary School, and Girrawheen Senior High School.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"I want Western Australia's economy to remain the strongest in the nation.
"That's why it's so important for us to continue investing in the Pilbara, our State's economic powerhouse.
"By investing in Roebourne District High School, we're ensuring this vitally important region is a great place to live, raise a family, and get a quality job.
"I want to thank Woodside for their contribution, which has helped us provide young Western Australians in our State's north with a quality education."
As stated by Education Minister Sabine Winton:
"This incredible redevelopment provides new facilities for students and staff with a focus on ensuring high-quality education for students in the Pilbara.
"I'm excited that students, teachers, school leaders, and support staff were able to start the school year in brand new facilities that reflect local culture and support strong student identity.
"These upgrades will create more opportunities for students and will benefit the Roebourne community for years to come.
"I also look forward to seeing the positive impact that the four-year Connected Community School trial will have on students and families in terms of boosting student wellbeing and outcomes."
As stated by Pilbara Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"By redeveloping Roebourne District High School, we've ensured kids living in the region can get the skills they need to get a job in an increasingly diversified economy."
As stated by Woodside Acting CEO Liz Westcott:
"This investment reflects Woodside's long-term commitment to education and partnerships that strengthen regional communities.
"For Woodside, supporting communities means working in partnership and investing for the long-term.
"These new facilities provide a place where young people can learn, stay connected to culture, and build a future close to home."
Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"It is fantastic to see this project completed, which will make a real difference to students in Roebourne.
"Importantly, this redevelopment was shaped in consultation with the Roebourne community, and you can see that reflected in the design and the purpose of the new spaces.
"I am proud to be part of a State Government that prioritises delivering quality education to students, no matter where they live."
