Official opening of learning facility at Blackall Range Independent School

Students and staff at Blackall Range Independent School are celebrating the official opening of new state-of-the-art learning facilities, made possible through a $1 million investment from the Queensland Government.

The project, valued at $2.29 million, includes a new general learning area, flexible learning area, staffroom, meeting room, covered outdoor learning area and upgraded amenities.

The $1 million contribution was made via the Capital Assistance Supplementary Scheme with the school providing an additional $1.2 million.

Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt acknowledged the strong partnership between the school and government in delivering the project.

“This investment is helping Blackall Range Independent School continue its proud tradition of providing a high-quality, personalised education,” Mr Hunt said.

“These new, modern spaces give students and teachers more flexibility in how they learn, teach, and connect – including the school’s first fully enclosed indoor gathering area and an all-weather outdoor learning space.”

Principal Eva Carless said the new facilities had already made a positive impact. “Our school community has embraced the new spaces, which support our multi-age learning approach and allow us to come together in ways we couldn’t before,” Ms Carless said.

• Blackall Range Independent School, located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, is a co-educational Prep to Year 12 non-state school that has been part of the community since 1975. As of February 2025, it has 104 students enrolled.

From left, Principal Eva Carless, Co-founder Joan Welsh, Year 11 student Orson Close, Co-founder Geoff Welsh and Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt. Prep student Jack Krupke-Rowan in front.