October 8, 2015
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says a new $2.5 million multi-purpose hall and gymnasium extension at Gippsland Grammar in Sale will give students more opportunities to excel.
Mr Chester today officially opened the building with Anglican Bishop of Gippsland The Right Reverend Kay Goldsworthy, Chair of the Gippsland Grammar Board Steven Scott and Principal David Baker.
The Gippsland MP said the new Laurie Payne Sports Centre would be an asset to the school community.
“This is a fantastic new building for Gippsland Grammar and it will serve the school community well for many years into the future,” Mr Chester said.
“It is terrific the Australian Government can work in partnership with Gippsland Grammar and the school community to provide the $2.5 million for this project.”
The Australian Government contributed $500,000 under the Capital Grants Programme. Gippsland Grammar contributed $2,062,000.
The building is named in honour of Gippsland sporting identity, Laurie Payne.
“I think quite fittingly the new centre is named after Laurie Payne, who is well known in the Gippsland region as a fantastic sports trainer and coach in football, but also here as a teacher at the school. His legend will live on with this sports centre,” Mr Chester said.
“He had a lot of passion for Gippsland Grammar. Future generations of students will hear the stories about Laurie Payne and hopefully it will encourage them to achieve their absolute best.”
The project involved extending an existing gymnasium, construction of a multi-purpose hall and installation of a lift.
The gymnasium includes a sprung floor, bleacher seating and a ceremonial dais; a large double height passive recreation space and foyer; and a first floor combination teaching space. There are also new toilets and changing facilities, a new office space for Health and Sport staff and a refurbished classroom.
CAPTION: In attendance at today’s Gippsland Grammar opening of the Laurie Payne building were Principal David Baker, Deputy Principal – Head of Garnsey Campus Jan Henry, School Board Chair Steven Scott, Bishop of Gippsland Kay Goldsworthy and Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
