Batemans Bay High School students will soon be cooking up career opportunities within the region's vital tourism and hospitality sectors thanks to a $6 million school upgrade, part of the Minns Labor Government's work to rebuild public education.
The upgrade will deliver a new food technology and vocational education and training kitchen, giving students an edge in securing careers in the South Coast tourism and hospitality sector.
Future scientists and technicians will also learn in five upgraded laboratories following the upgrade now underway as part of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to expand high potential and gifted education (HPGE) opportunities across NSW public schools.
Scheduled for completion in 2026, the upgrade also includes three prep rooms, two woodwork rooms, metalwork and STEM rooms, and improvements to the school entrance.
Batemans Bay High School is one of 33 public high schools set to benefit from the Minns Labor Government's $100 million investment in science and technology laboratories, kitchens, libraries, creative arts spaces, sporting facilities and design workshops.
The school will also collaborate with the Department of Education's HPGE team in building capacity to empower students to achieve their full potential across a range of fields.
The Minns Labor Government has delivered record education funding, including $2.1 billion for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW in the 2025-26 Budget.
The work of rebuilding public education also includes the historic pay rise awarded to teachers in NSW public schools to address the chronic teacher shortage that grew into a crisis under the Liberals and Nationals. Under Labor, teacher vacancies have dropped by 61 per cent.
While there is more work to do, the Minns Labor Government is delivering the world-class public schools and qualified teachers that every student deserves regardless of their postcode.
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to offering a world-class public education that enables every child in NSW to achieve their full potential.
"We are making record investments as part of our work to rebuild public education in every corner of the state, ensuring that our public schools are places of excellence that give students the best start in life.
"The HPGE program is an important part of our long-term plan to rebuild public education - initiated under Deputy Premier Prue Car - to deliver world-class learning facilities and ensure every student in a NSW public school has access to high potential and gifted education opportunities."
Member for Bega Michael Holland said:
"I'm delighted to see this significant investment in Batemans Bay High School, which will open new pathways for students in our growing tourism, hospitality and science sectors.
"These upgraded facilities will give students the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to thrive locally and beyond The Bay. I am proud to be part of the Minns Labor Government.
"We are delivering on our commitment to rebuild and strengthen public education in our regional communities."
Batemans Bay High School Principal Paula Brennan said:
"I'm thrilled this important upgrade is underway so all our students, including high potential and gifted students, will enjoy modern facilities and an enriched educational experience.
"Our school motto is 'learning leads to empowerment' and this much needed investment will further empower our students."
