On February 23rd, the Emmanuel Centre buzzed with activity as it hosted radio broadcasts, local food vendors, and an eagerly awaited basketball showdown between current students and a star-studded lineup of teachers, alumni, and local identities.
“Emmanuel College is grateful for the continued support from the community for the Edmund Rice Centre now that the appeal has launched with gusto at the Rice Rally!” said Principal Peter Morgan.
This event marked the beginning of a public fundraising drive aimed at erecting a new $16 million building for Year 9 students at the Botanic Road campus, a move intended to streamline the college’s operations, and see the closure of the campus at Canterbury Road.
Emmanuel College is grateful for the continued support from the community for the Edmund Rice Centre now that the appeal has launched with gusto at the Rice Rally!Principal | Peter Morgan
The day commenced with a lively broadcast from the Emmanuel Centre thanks to Coast FM, featuring alumni and media personalities Gorgi Coghlan and Jonathan Brown alongside local radio host Rookie. The program provided great entertainment through a series of student interviews, weather reports, and the banter of our alumni as they gave nostalgic nods to the college’s history.
Visitors to the Emmanuel Centre on the day were able to enjoy lunch or a snack from the festival of food vans or the sausage sizzle out front, learn more about various College programs and projects and get a deeper insight into the Edmund Rice Centre as construction continues.
However, the highlight of the day was the spirited basketball match between the All Stars team and Emmanuel students. A tightly fought battle between the two teams, there were plenty of court antics, the students emerged victorious in the basketball match, securing a nine-point lead over the All-Star team.
“All of our special guests spent time with students imparting their skills and wisdom in their area of expertise, it was very inspiring to witness,” said Peter Morgan.
Gorgi Coghlan has had a diverse career in media, journalism, travel, and entertainment, including hosting shows like Channel Ten’s The Project and Logie-winning program The Circle. She’s also a talented singer and stage performer, delighting audiences with performances in programs such as Carols by Candlelight and Channel Ten’s The Masked Singer, plus stage appearances in the Queen/Ben Elton musical We Will Rock You, and understudy to the lead role in OZ. In addition, Gorgi has been an ambassador for Vision Australia, Life’s Little Treasures Foundation and the Ballarat Cancer Research Centre.
Gorgi said in the lead up to the event, “I’m thrilled to be returning to Emmanuel College to support the Rice Rally. My education at Emmanuel gave me so many skills and gifts that I have used throughout my life, and I’m excited to be able to connect to our community to raise much needed funds to continue to support Emmanuel and its community.”
Principal Peter Morgan expressed appreciation for the community’s enthusiastic backing of the Edmund Rice Centre fundraising appeal. The appeal launch raised over $10,000 on top of the $300,000 already secured, marking a promising start towards the $1.5 million target. The Edmund Rice Centre project represents the largest investment in improvements in the College’s history. We are grateful to the Victorian government for a grant of $2 million, while the balance will be funded by the College through its building levy, a bank loan and fundraising.
The Rice Rally was a monumental event for Emmanuel College, drawing immense support from alumni, current staff, students, and the local community. Making the Rice Rally a resounding success were major sponsors ACE Radio, Callaghan Motors, Canterbury Creative House, Star Printing, and Watson Media.
Jonathan Brown, an AFL Hall of Famer since 2020, is widely regarded as one of the AFL’s most dominant players. Drafted to the Brisbane Lions from an early age, he had a stellar 15-year career with the side, winning three premierships and earning numerous accolades including Most Improved Player, Club Champion and All Australian recognition. His Mark of the Year award in 2002 even today continues to be remembered as one of the best. He’s now a successful media personality, having featured on Fox Footy and Nova 100’s breakfast show.
Jonathan said in the lead up to the event, “I’m looking forward to being involved in such an important day for the school. Especially hitting the airwaves with Gorgi for the morning, and regaling in some old stories from our Emmanuel days.”
Situated on the main campus, in its own dedicated area, it is connected through a carefully crafted landscape, symbolising the transition from the Junior School.
The architectural components of the precinct include three flexible science labs, six general-purpose classrooms and three spacious breakout learning areas dedicated to Wisdom, Communication, and Exploration. These areas facilitate collaborative teaching and learning, interdisciplinary approaches and critical thinking by enabling team teaching of these subjects.
The centre also includes a tiered seating auditorium, serving as a focal point for year-level gatherings and presentations. Furthermore, it offers a full-size indoor sports court, promoting physical well-being and an active lifestyle among students. Catering to diverse interests, the Edmund Rice Centre boasts a food technology kitchen and learning area, an art classroom, a materials technology space and a media/communications room equipped with advanced technology.
The outdoor learning courtyards are versatile spaces offering opportunities for students to engage, connect with nature and collaborate.
The Edmund Rice Centre is designed to inspire and empower Year 9 students. With its array of purpose-built facilities, it creates a dynamic and stimulating environment that fosters growth, excellence and a love for learning.
“My life, possibly like a lot of yourselves, has been interwoven with Emmanuel College.
My work, my children, my friends, the community, all of these aspects that are important to me have been supported through Emmanuel as it has evolved and developed over the years.
So if you’re looking for a way to give back, to make a real difference in the lives of young people, consider donating to help build the Edmund Rice Centre. Please know that your support makes an impact and these students, our future, are so privileged in having your help.”
