Mark Taylor MP to Officiate at Opening Ceremony of Warakirri College Blacktown’s New Science Lab

The multipurpose laboratory has been designed to facilitate Science, Biology, Food Technology and Living Skills classes. The 4-month construction project was delivered by Sydney Office Fitout, and includes a fully functioning science lab and preparation room with prep benches and chemical storage, as well as a multiple station kitchen equipped with ovens, gas cooktops, fridge, double sink, stainless steel prep benches and fume extractor.

The new science laboratory will allow students to design and conduct a wider variety of controlled experiments to collect reliable first-hand data, while Food Technology students now have a dedicated space to plan, prepare, present, and evaluate their creations.

“I think we are going to learn some really great life skills in here,” said Warakirri student Maverick M. “There’s so much room and freedom. It’s exciting because it’s an actual, real kitchen, not just some frypans in an old room! It makes me feel so hopeful and excited because it’s brand new.”

“I am 10/10 excited to use the room,” added Warakirri student Tyler S. “It is so nice and big and clean and sophisticated. It’s going to make Science and Food Tech so much more enjoyable.”

Funding for the project was provided by the NSW Government, with administrative support from The Association of Independent Schools.

“We are most grateful to the Department of Education for their generous support of this project which will enable our students to develop new skills and enjoy their classes in an innovative, inspiring learning space,” said Warakirri College Principal Carolyn Blanden.

The multipurpose laboratory opening ceremony will commence at 10.00am on Tuesday 19 February 2019 at Warakirri College Blacktown, 7 Sunnyholt Road Blacktown 2148, with Mark Taylor MP, the State Member of Parliament for Seven Hills in attendance. 

About Warakirri College

Warakirri College is an independent high school for young people aged 15–22 completing their Year 10 and Higher School Certificate. Students have disconnected from mainstream schools due to peer relations difficulties like bullying or gender issues, mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression, complex family backgrounds, refugee experience or parenthood. 

Warakirri is an independent high school with campuses at Fairfield and Blacktown. As a social impact initiative of MTC Australia, students do not pay fees and are provided with textbooks, food and other resources. Graduates typically progress to University, TAFE, private colleges and employment. 

About MTC Australia

MTC is the social enterprise that gives people the inspiration, capability and opportunity to create a fulfilling life. We deliver high impact employment, training and youth programs that help more than 15,000 people every year to gain skills for employment and entrepreneurship, build self-worth, and enable possibilities for transformative change.

We deliver a range of proven programs, including government initiatives such as the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS), Disability Employment Services (DES), jobactive and Skills for Education and Employment (SEE). We also deliver nationally accredited training courses and innovative youth programs, and offer specialist recruitment services through MTC Recruitment.

As a social enterprise, we continue to support and empower at-risk Australians, by reinvesting surplus back into innovative social impact initiatives like Warakirri College, an independent high school for students who need an alternative to mainstream education.