Premier Mark McGowan and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery were joined by dignitaries from across the country today to officially open the landmark Bob Hawke College in Subiaco.
Bob Hawke's family members joined former Cabinet colleagues, including Western Australian Governor Kim Beazley, college staff and students and their families for today's opening event.
Following a ceremony attended by almost 800 people, a sculpture of the former Prime Minister Bob Hawke by Western Australian artist Jon Tarry was also unveiled in the foyer.
The $70.6 million state-of-the-art school boasts impressive modern facilities including science and technology laboratories, an auditorium, administration and student services, a cafeteria, landscaped courtyards, multipurpose playing courts and a performing arts centre.
260 Year 7 students will be the inaugural class to attend the college on the first day of school tomorrow.
Thirty-two of those students will be part of the school's academic gifted and talented program.
It is expected there will be more than 1,500 students from Years 7 to 12 attending the school by 2025 with the college to have capacity for up to 2,000 students following Stage 2.
Tomorrow will also mark the opening of two other secondary schools, Alkimos College and Hammond Park Secondary College, and four new primary schools across the growing suburbs.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"One of my Government's key election commitments was to build an inner city college to take pressure off surrounding schools and provide more opportunities for the growing student population - today we have delivered on that commitment.
"Over the past two-and-a-half-years, more than 2,500 people have worked on this project, which created and supported Western Australian jobs and local businesses.
"Bob Hawke was a great Western Australian and highly respected Prime Minister. He championed reforms and social changes that continue to benefit Australians today and had a strong connection to Western Australia, growing up in West Leederville, near the new school.
"Naming this new school Bob Hawke College is entirely fitting and I look forward to many generations of students learning in this world class facility."
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"We're committed to delivering the best education facilities to families in Western Australia.
"Students at Bob Hawke College will experience an innovative learning environment with cutting-edge technology and quality teachers to help them achieve their very best.
"This is a momentous day for public education in Western Australia and for everyone who has been involved in the college so far.
"The college will provide a much-needed school for families who are living in inner-city suburbs."
Premier's Office - 6552 5000
Education Minister's Office - 6552 5700
