“Sharing Faith, Hope and Love,” is the motto of Emmanuel College and more than a little of each of these elements were required in order to turn the vision for the Emmanuel Centre into reality. The 9.5 million dollar building, officially opened on 18 November, is the largest building project in the 144-year history of the College.
The vision for the Emmanuel Centre evolved from an in-depth look at the educational needs of students into the future. A period of extraordinary growth saw the student population of the College double in a ten-year period and saw Emmanuel College become one of the fastest growing schools in Victoria. It was evident that the physical facilities of the College needed to respond to this growth.
An infrastructure masterplan was developed and one of the most pressing needs was identified as the lack of a space large enough for whole school gatherings. The College had to hire external facilities for whole of school events or in some instances hold outdoor events. Moving students off-site impacts on learning time and the lack of whole school gatherings impacts on student well- being and success.
A major focus of Emmanuel College is to: recognise student achievements and success, inspire students to achieve to their individual potential and develop an overall school culture of achievement and success. A space for whole school gatherings is essential for showcasing student talent and providing a place where achievement is recognised, rewarded and constantly modelled to all students.
With no government funding available for the project and with costs escalating each year building was delayed, the Board made the decision to progress the project. Just as the founders of Emmanuel’s predecessor schools, St Ann’s and CBC had done, Emmanuel College would call on the community to help. The generosity of families, past students, foundations and businesses has demonstrated a strong vote of confidence in Emmanuel College and its future as a leading provider of education in South West Victoria. The Emmanuel Centre will be a place to celebrate, achieve and aspire.
The Emmanuel Centre is a much more than a school auditorium. It is a three–level complex comprising:
The foyer provides a welcoming entry into the Centre with audio visual screens keeping students and visitors up-to-date with news and coming events along with recognising those who have contributed to the Centre.
The auditorium contains seating for 1500 people, including automated, retractable seating for 650. With the seating retracted, the auditorium converts into two full sized sports courts.
Three large audiovisual screens flank a permanent stage for speakers with sound and audiovisals controlled from a bio box located at the rear of the auditorium.
The lower of the 3 levels of Emmanuel Centre is home to an Industrial Skills Centre with state of the art facilities for 3D printing and laser cutting along with areas for working with wood, metal, plastics and building. The facility replicates a real- life work environment with an industrial theme and exposed elements that reveal the way in which the building functions.
The mezzanine level of the Centre is named in honour of the founders of the College and its predecessor schools, St Ann’s and CBC. Accessible by stairs or elevator, it will serve as a conference facility complete with audio visual screens and outdoor decks. A wall of glass makes the area very light and open with sweeping views across the top oval.
A fully equipped commercial kitchen on the lower level provides excellent, industry-standard facilities to allow complex catering for large numbers of diners. There is a servery window into the
Callaghan foyer and an elevator enables efficient delivery up to the Founders Room on the mezzanine level.
The Jonathan Brown Gym is a gym and weights room where individuals and groups can train, exercise and track their progress.
Two smaller foyers for everyday use complement the main Callaghan Foyer. In the Melican Family Foyer on the Eastern side of the building a display on the Inspiring Alumni is a feature. In the Welsh Family Foyer on the Western side an information board describes the meaning and symbollism in the Forecout installations.
Two multi-purpose classrooms and an Industrial Skills Classroom provide up-to-date learning areas. Diamond shaped windows reflect the design on the exterior cladding and give an architectural feel to the rooms, which are light, modern and create a physical environment conducive to learning. The Elizabeth Blackman Classroom was named in honour of Australia’s first female Nobel prize winner.
The forecourt, designed by Greg Romanis and Mark Trinham is more than a visually pleasing artwork. It is a work of storytelling that shows the relationship of Emmanuel College to country in its location between the Great Southern Coast and the edge of Western Basalt Plains. A dry stone wall tells of the connection to the region and throughout the forecourt designs from the nearby historic convent building, such as the trefoil, are used to symbolise the holy trinity. Basalt and sandstone light beacons illuminate quotes from Catherine McAuley and Edmund Rice.
Also housed within the complex are: change rooms with access to the oval, a first aid room, showers and toilets, sports equipment storage rooms and staff facilities.
