Andrew Leigh

With ACT Education Minister Andrew Barr, I opened a new playing field in Gungahlin today. We celebrated with a kids vs 'celebrities' touch footy game (Darters, Capitals, politicians). While I didn't keep score, I have a sneaking suspicion the kids might have beaten us.

More details below.

Opening of new sporting facility

The largest artificial playing surface in the ACT was officially opened today at the Gold Creek School and the Holy Spirit Primary School, jointly by Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Member for Fraser, and Mr Andrew Barr MLA, ACT Minister for Education and Training and Tourism, Sport and Recreation.



Building on an existing highly successful model partnership between government and non-government schools, this project involved the installation of a synthetic sports ground and associated components including: fencing, lighting, a soccer pitch, a multi-use field with sprint lanes, a running track and cricket practice wickets.

This project is designed to enhance school programs impacting on childhood obesity, while innovative construction methods will minimise water usage.



Dr Leigh congratulated the school and its community on establishing the best possible facilities for their students and school staff.



“These outstanding facilities will help ensure all students at Gold Creek School and Holy Spirit Primary School to realise their full potential and attain their goals,” said Dr Leigh.

“This new surface has educational and environmental benefits. Not only do students have a great new playing field, its one that will use less water,” said Dr Leigh.



The project, totalling $3 million, was funded through $2.5 million provided by the Australian Government under its Local Schools Working Together pilot program and $0.5 million provided by the ACT Government.



Dr Leigh also said “the project demonstrated the Australian Government’s commitment to providing every student with the best possible learning environment through the provision of these new facilities.”



The Local Schools Working Together pilot program is an important element of the Australian Government’s Education Revolution.

“The Gillard Government is committed to finding ways for schools to work together in delivering educational outcomes.  Schools in a community, whether government, catholic or independent schools, should work together in maximising the educational resources available, ensuring we can deliver the best education to our kids.

“The Local Schools Working Together initiative that encourages government, Catholic and independent schools to work together to develop shared educational facilities, facilities which will broaden the benefit of government expenditure on capital infrastructure and help create new opportunities for students who might otherwise be denied access to the range of facilities.”

“The Local Schools Working Together program is all about schools working in partnership to achieve educational excellence and equity,” concluded Dr Leigh.