New $31.6 million Learning Centre opens at Berwick

The St Francis Xavier College community celebrated the official blessing and opening of its $31.6 million General Purpose Flexible Learning Centre, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of the College’s Berwick campus.

Together, the Stage 2 and Stage 2A developments have delivered 26 general learning areas, collaborative spaces, digital technology facilities, a green room, staff workspaces and amenities.

The Catholic Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet, led the blessing and opening ceremony and was joined by Mr Lee Tarlamis MP and Mr Michael Galea MP, Members for the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region, Fr Confidence Masvosva, Parish Priest of St Michael’s Parish, Berwick, Mr Paul Velten, Executive Director of Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL), and Ms Julie Banda, Principal of St Francis Xavier College for a plaque unveiling.

Special guests included DOSCEL Board Directors the Hon. Martin Dixon, Emeritus Professor Gabrielle McMullen, Mr John Swan and Dr Dominic Thomas, along with Mr James Merlino, Board Chair of the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA), Professor Elizabeth Labone, Chief Executive Officer of the VCEA, Mr Chris Black, DOSCEL Deputy Executive Director, members of the project team, staff, students, school and parish community.

Bishop Greg Bennet said the impressive facility is a result of years of vision, planning and commitment by the College community.

“Catholic communities believe that learning environments should inspire students to grow, not only in knowledge, but also in the character, faith, creativity and service. May this new learning area be a place where students flourish, discover their gifts and be inspired to use them for the good of others,” Bishop Bennet said.

Principal Ms Julie Banda said the new facilities were already enhancing teaching, learning and student well-being at the Berwick campus.

“Students have expressed excitement at the modern design, innovative learning environments and upgraded amenities, while staff value the flexibility and functionality of the new spaces,” Ms Banda said.

Mr Paul Velten, Executive Director of DOSCEL, said the development represents an exciting new chapter for St Francis Xavier College and its Berwick campus.

“This investment reflects the ongoing commitment of DOSCEL, the College and Parish community to ensuring students and staff have access to contemporary, high-quality learning environments that support educational excellence and well-being.”

“As the College continues to grow, this investment will help inspire faith and learning, nurture potential and empower every student to achieve their personal best.”
The project was supported through a $3 million grant from the Victorian Government’s Non-Government Schools Capital Fund, a $13 million loan from the Catholic Development Fund (CDF), and local contributions.

Mr Velten thanked the Victorian Government and the CDF for their support in helping to bring the projects to fruition.

Designed by Bellemo & Cat Architects and delivered by Devco Project and Construction Management, the new centre provides future-focused learning spaces that will support generations of students and staff while meeting the needs of the College’s growing community.