Murgon High School Project

This briefing paper outlines the vision for the transformative Murgon State High School Project –Dream Bigger. This project is a collaboration between Murgon High School, iSupply, Corporate Australia, and community groups. The project aims to empower students, enhance educational facilities, and strengthen community resilience through sustainable practices and culturally responsive project-based learning.
Our vision supports three core pillars:
• Community: Building stronger communities by addressing housing and food sovereignty
• Culture: Truth-telling, song, dance, and language preservation
• Country: Caring for Mother Earth through regeneration and sustainability

The Dream Bigger Initiative seeks to:
• Empower Students: Engage students through practical learning, developing essential life, career, and trade skills.
• Enhance Learning Spaces: Create educational facilities focused on agriculture, horticulture, and practical life skills.
• Promote Sustainability: Embed sustainability into educational facilities and community projects.
• Strengthen Community Connections: Foster community resilience by addressing local needs in housing and food sovereignty while honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.

Part 1: Wakka Wakka Village Conversion
• Sustainable Living: Transforming the existing school farm into an off-grid, sustainable village.
• Elder Housing: Culturally appropriate housing solutions for Elders.
• Food Sovereignty: Initiatives to ensure food security and nutritional self reliance.
• Career and Life Skills: Training in sustainability, agriculture, construction, and elder care.
Part 2: Student-Built Learning Enhancements
Agriculture and Horticulture:
• Two fully off-grid, air-conditioned 40-foot agricultural classrooms.
• Agricultural toilet facilities supporting farm operations.
• Six greenhouse spaces (each 5m x 25m) with propagation tables for native plant regeneration.
Innovative Learning and Community Spaces:
• Flexi-Centre: A three-pod facility supporting alternative educational programs.
• Modular Primary School Spaces: Four 40-foot modular classroom/game room containers for regional primary schools.
Recreational and Wellbeing Facilities:
• Youth Hub: Outdoor spaces and recreational facilities, including two 40-foot containers for sports and games.
• Staff Wellbeing Centre: A comfortable 40-foot container featuring relaxation and refreshment amenities.
• Student Café: A student-run café in two 20-foot containers equipped with a commercial kitchen.
Sports and Event Facilities:
• Mini grandstands accommodating 300 spectators for sports events.
• Dedicated toilet facilities near grandstand

Food Sovereignty Projects: Hands-on agricultural projects promoting self -sufficient food systems.
Cherbourg School Housing Project: Students design sustainable tiny homes for Elders and families, gaining skills in construction, design, and sustainability.
Pre-Service Teacher Accommodation: Temporary housing for trainee teachers, enhancing support and attracting future educators.
Community Engagement: Project-based learning aligned with local challenges, enhancing cultural connections and self-determination.

Recognising the critical gap between secondary education and employment, the Regional Hub for Year 13 will serve as a comprehensive transition and training centre. This dedicated space will:
• Offer accredited courses in life skills, automotive servicing, hospitality, community care, and trade apprenticeships.
• Provide structured work placements and internships facilitated by industry partnerships.
• Feature fully-equipped classrooms, computer labs, automotive workshops, and hospitality kitchens.
• Support students in gaining recognised certifications, significantly enhancing their employability.
• Foster mentorship opportunities, connecting students directly with industry leaders and professionals.
• Act as a resource hub, offering guidance on career pathways, tertiary education options, and vocational training.

This facility aims to provide Year 13 students with practical tools and opportunities to seamlessly transition from school into meaningful employment or further education.

The initiative will follow a phased implementation strategy, collaboratively developed with educators, students, and community leaders. Each phase will link facility enhancements with community-driven projects, fostering ongoing self-determination, educational enrichment, and cultural pride.

The Dream Bigger Initiative represents our school’s commitment to combining education with meaningful community development. With the support of iSupply and our partners, we aim to empower students, enhance learning environments, and build stronger, resilient communities, always honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and traditions..