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<p>Smithfield High School in Cairns, Queensland will benefit from the two newly opened facilities for talented sports and performing arts students.</p>
<p>Education Minister Grace Grace joined Barron River MP Craig Crawford to open the school’s brand-new Centre for Athlete Development and Performing Arts (CADPA) and a double-storey STEM Centre.</p>
<p>Ms Grace said the construction of the two buildings helped the COVID struck-state in creating jobs while providing students with the infrastructure they deserve.</p>
<p>“The $12.1 million CADPA is an absolutely world-class facility which will be a game-changer for budding sport and performing arts stars at the school,” Ms Grace said.</p>
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<p>The Centre has two multipurpose courts, a performance stage, kiosk and box office, foyer, a sports science laboratory, five classrooms, one flexible learning space, staff room and a meeting room.</p>
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<p>“The industry-standard light and sound fittings are also giving our students the opportunity to hone their skills, whether that be as a performer, production technician or backstage crew.”</p>
<p>Ms Grace said the equipment and facilities in the $8.4 million STEM block is supporting students to be ready for the jobs of the future.</p>
<p>“The new Centre for Innovation features cutting-edge laboratory spaces that students can use for robotics, design, STEM and other technology subjects,” she said.</p>
<p>“It includes four general classrooms, four specialist spaces, a collaborative space, staffroom, and a Wellbeing Hub where students can access health and wellbeing services in one centralised location.”</p>
<p>Smithfield State High School Principal Frank Brunetto said the school community was relishing the new facilities.</p>
<p>“Our school now has sport and performing arts facilities that are the equal of any in the state, and exceed many professional set-ups,” he said.</p>
<p>“As well as boosting opportunities for students, the centre expands our capacity to reach out and make new connections in the community.”</p>
<p>Mr Crawford said he was proud to see the fruition of years of lobbying for the multi-million-dollar school upgrades.</p>
<p>“Smithfield High came to me with this concept, it was their brainchild, and I was able to help nurture it through all levels of government,’’ Mr Crawford said.</p>
<p>“To see it now just blows me away &#8211; Smithfield High has undergone a complete transformation.”</p>
<p>“This new multi-purpose centre is one of the best high-performance training facilities of any school in the state.”</p>
<p>The upgrade is a part of the AU$20.5 million boost to schools provided by the Palaszczuk government to refurbish school facilities as a part of their economic recovery plan.</p>

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