What’s Happening?
Mackay North State High School has completed a major hall extension designed for music, drama, recording and live performances.
The new facilities bring classroom teaching and stage production together, giving arts students more space to develop their practical skills.
Why It Matters?
Students can now move more easily between lessons, rehearsals, recording sessions and performances within the same facility.
The extension also supports a broader range of arts subjects while providing modern spaces for school productions and events.
Local Impact
The $19.1 million project has added two drama rooms, two music rooms and a recording studio at Mackay North.
Principal Michelle Pole said the new music and drama building had transformed performing arts education at the school. She said combining classroom subjects with the performance hall created a stronger connection between learning and the stage.
“This creates opportunities for students to develop their talents and pursue their passion,” Pole said.
By the Numbers
- Almost $100 million funded completed infrastructure projects at four Queensland state schools, including Mackay North.
- Across the four schools, the projects delivered 44 classrooms, two learning centres and several specialist teaching spaces.
- Queensland’s $23.1 billion Education Budget includes 22 new schools, nine special schools and almost 170 workplace health and safety officers.
Zoom In
Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said students across Mackay, Townsville and Brisbane were already benefiting from the completed facilities.
“Our students deserve classrooms that motivate and inspire learning, as well as outstanding performing arts hubs and sports halls,” Langbroek said.
He said the government was returning its focus to literacy and numeracy following what it described as a decade of decline. Langbroek also said modern learning centres would support students and respond to enrolment growth across Queensland’s fastest-growing areas.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering these projects to ensure all Queensland students can access a world-class education,” he said.
Zoom Out
Mackay North was one of four schools included in the statewide program, alongside Ripley Valley, Indooroopilly and Kirwan.
Ripley Valley State Secondary College received a $35.9 million, two-storey learning centre with 32 classrooms and specialist learning areas. Indooroopilly State School gained a $32.5 million administration and learning centre, car park and upgraded instrumental music block.
In Townsville, Kirwan State School received an $8.2 million multi-purpose hall extension for sport, performances and school events. Principal John Kratzmann said the additions would benefit students, staff and the wider community.
“It represents a place to gather, perform and celebrate and is an investment into the future of our students,” Kratzmann said.
The government said the program responded to a $441 million maintenance backlog. It also reported that one-third of state school assets had reached the end of their working life.
What To Look For Next?
Mackay North may now expand its performing arts activities, supported by dedicated teaching rooms, a recording studio and performance facilities.
**Source: The State of Queensland (Department of the Premier and Cabinet)
