Cavendish Road State High School's next generation of performers now have a state-of-the-art facility to call their own thanks to a multi-million investment by the Palaszczuk Government.
Premier Anastacia Palaszczuk, Education Minister Grace Grace, Greenslopes MP Joe Kelly and Mansfield MP Corrine McMillan recently met with the school's music, dance and drama students to officially opening the $10.8 million Performing Arts Centre.
"This new Performing Arts Centre is a wonderful creative space where students can be inspired, where dreams can be created and potentially fulfilling careers in the Arts are born," the Premier said.
"It's all part of my government's $430 million investment under our 2020 Ready Program to build new classrooms and facilities, just like this Performing Arts Centre, across Queensland.
"We're not only building world-class education facilities, but we're also creating jobs. Construction by Bryant Building Contractors supported 32 full-time jobs and 11 apprentices."
Ms Grace said the building was one of 71 facilities delivered at growing Queensland high schools for the start of the 2020 school year.
"We're committed to building the infrastructure our students need for a bright future," Ms Grace said.
"This is on top of the $7.1 million investment by the Palaszczuk Government for a new sports centre at this school which the Member for Greenslopes Joe Kelly and I opened in September last year, supporting 21 jobs."
Ms Grace said the Centre was called the 'Marjorie Godfrey Theatre', in memory of pioneer Marjorie Godfrey who taught maths at Cav Rd in 1957 before working as the school's Principal Mistress from 1965 to 1981.
"Marjorie was a big supporter of the school until her recent passing in December 2019, aged 103," she said.
Marjorie Godfrey's son, John Godfrey, said he was honoured the new theatre paid tribute to his mother.
"It's very pleasing, that a school amenity of the calibre of the theatre in Cavendish Road State High's new Performing Arts Centre is to be named for our mother," Mr Godfrey said.
"Our family take great pride in the honour the school has paid her, with this gesture."
Greenslopes MP Joe Kelly said the Marjorie Godfrey Theatre would boost the school's strong performing arts program.
"This world-class centre includes a fully-equipped theatre with sound and lighting facilities and a sprung floor for dance students," he said.
"It has a performance stage, four music rooms, two drama studios, a multi-media learning area, practice rooms, storage spaces, staff room, support spaces and amenities.
"I'm happy to see the students so excited about the completion of this Centre which means a lot to the school community and my local electorate.
"Continually improving school infrastructure is a key part of backing local schools, building community and making life better for people in Greenslopes."
Mr Kelly said the name of the facility was a nice touch.
"I have known Marjorie and John for many years. This is very fitting. Marjorie has influenced generations of people in our community and John remains a proud Cav Roadian."
Cavendish Road State High School Executive Principal Richard Usher said the performing arts centre would benefit the whole school community well into the future.
"The centre includes modern technology and flexible spaces that will support learning experiences across the curriculum," Mr Usher said.
"It strengthens our performing arts program and enables us to grow our partnerships and collaborations with primary schools in the area which is a real bonus for the local community."
