Premier Mark McGowan and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today toured the brand new Bob Hawke College, with Principal John Burke, and announced the details of a new scholarship program to support students and teachers.
Construction of the brand new secondary collage is on track with a number of areas already completed including the design and technology area, administration, library, staffroom and car park.
From next year, two scholarships will be provided to two gifted and talented regional and remote students in Year 7 to support them throughout their secondary schooling and help them meet their educational goals.
In addition to this, a State-wide teacher scholarship program will be established in honour of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke to increase the number of Aboriginal secondary teachers across Western Australia.
From 2020, one scholarship will be provided to an aspiring Aboriginal secondary teacher to complete an undergraduate qualification and start a permanent position at a WA public secondary school.
A postgraduate scholarship will also be offered to an aspiring Aboriginal secondary teacher to transfer their existing skills and complete a postgraduate qualification to become a secondary teacher.
The school's new logo was also revealed this morning and features three spheres in which the school operates - representing the school grounds, Subiaco community and the world at large.
A total of 229 students are currently enrolled for Year 7 at Bob Hawke College for 2020 which has the capacity for 2,000 students from Years 7 to 12 by 2025. Thirty-two students will also be in the school's inaugural academic Gifted and Talented program next year.
When complete, the school will include science and technology laboratories, an auditorium, administration and student services, a cafeteria, landscaped courtyards, multipurpose playing courts and a performing arts centre.
Western Australian artist Jon Tarry has been selected to create a sculpture of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke which will be installed in the school's foyer. Mr Tarry has completed 42 public and numerous private art commissions in Australia, the United States of America, the Middle East and Europe including works at Optus Stadium and Elizabeth Quay.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"We're committed to delivering the best education facilities to Western Australian students regardless of where they live and Bob Hawke College will provide a much-needed school for families living in the inner northern and western suburbs.
"Bob Hawke was one of the greatest Australians in history - establishing a scholarship in his name, for aspiring Aboriginal teachers is a fitting tribute.
"I am pleased we are delivering scholarships for two gifted and talented students to be able to undertake their studies at this first class institute."
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"Bob Hawke College will be a world-class school and it's exciting to see how far construction has progressed.
"Principal John Burke and his team have done an outstanding job as they prepare to welcome Year 7 students next year to what will be a truly outstanding secondary school.
"A scholarship program will give more students from around Western Australia the opportunity to learn at this innovative new school."
Minister's office - 6552 5700
