Development and Philanthropy
Development at St Philip's College has been ongoing so as to achieve the best facilities and opportunities for our students in remote and regional Australia.
Like many Australian organisations, St Philip’s College has benefited enormously from the care, concern and kindness from many benefactors.
Year | Development Milestones |
|---|---|
| 1964-1965 | First buildings completed. |
| 1989 | St Philip's College becomes a school in its own right. |
| 1995 | Outback Achievers Appeal launched to raise funds for the construction of educational facilities needed to keep pace with the College's rapid growth rate. |
| 1996 | Building program starts - culminating with the opening of The Minnamurra Hall in 1998. |
| 1998 | Launch of Outback Achievers' Annual Fund. |
| 1999 | Opening of The John Blaiklock Wing and The Sitzler Car Park. |
| 2000 | Planning for four new classrooms to meet urgent need for space. Launch of Fred McKay Memorial Fund. |
| 2001 | Opening of the new classrooms - 'The Pavilion.' Planning Fred McKay Education Centre (funded from Fred McKay Memorial Fund). Projected cost $1.4 million plus. PM John Howard dedicates construction site for the Fred McKay Education Centre. |
| 2002 | Construction of the Fred McKay Education Centre commences. |
| 2003 | Opening of the Fred McKay Education Centre. |
| 2004 | Opening of the Christopher Tudor Bi-centennial Resource Centre extension. |
| 2005 | Planning of the Bush Chapel (gifted by the late John Blaiklock). |
| 2006 | Construction of the Swag Chapel commences. Planning of the Bruce Reid Sports Centre. |
| 2007 | Opening of the Swag Chapel. |
| 2008 | Construction of the Bruce Reid Sports Centre commenced. |
| 2009 | Completion & opening of the Bruce Reid Sports Centre. Opening of the Fred McKay Museum. |
| 2012 | Opening of the John Flynn Memorial Garden. |
| 2016 | Opening of the Chris Tudor Centre. |
| 2018 | Opening of new office spaces in the Fred McKay Education Centre. St Philip's College purchases the old Alice Springs RSL site. |
| 2021 | Opening of refurbished Tute block / Bridging area. Construction of new Year 12 area. |
| 2022 | Opening of the Year 12 area. |
| 2023 | Construction commences on the Discovery Centre. |
| 2024 | Opening of the Discovery Centre. |
Watch The Discovery Centre being built
The Discovery Centre
On Tuesday 18 June 2024, the Discovery Centre was officially opened by Professor Veena Sahajwalla from the UNSW Smart Centre. Professor Sahajwalla, an internationally recognized materials scientist, engineer and inventor, is renowned for her pioneering work in recycling science, especially her invention of 'green steel' technology. Her presence was a great honour as she helped mark the opening of our innovative facility.
Designed to be a multipurpose learning environment, the Discovery Centre is filled with natural light, modern technology and collaborative spaces. It is strategically located adjacent to the Swag Chapel and the Sustainability Centre to support teaching and learning opportunities with a focus on our commitment to challenge (To Strive), inspiration (To Seek), and environmental sustainability (To Care)—core elements of our motto.
The purpose of the Discovery Centre aligns with the Round Square Discovery Framework and our Guiding Principles:
- We value and respect our heritage as we focus on the future.
- We will grow our impact and service through a wide range of educational offerings.
- We will provide optimal learning conditions for students and staff.
Additionally, it reflects our HEART values (Honesty, Engagement, Acceptance, Respect, and Trust), our unique environmental context on Arrernte country, and our Christian ethos. This new facility is set to enhance our school culture, teaching practices, and commitment to inclusion and wellbeing.
The Discovery Centre will continue the vision of St Philip’s College Founder, Fred McKay who insisted children in Central Australia should have access to a high quality education, whilst also enhancing our commitment to improve educational outcomes and alleviate social disadvantage.
The College is proud to continue its program of energy efficiency and you can view the live solar usage and savings here.
Outback Achievers Annual Fund
In 1994, St Philip’s launched its national Outback Achievers Appeal to raise funds for the development of facilities at the College. Fred McKay was Patron of the Appeal, and his friend Dr Bruce Reid was Chairman.
The Outback Achiever Fund helps St Philip's College continue its mission to provide educational excellence to remote children of Outback Australia. We know that providing a quality education together with our future development is so important to continue to provide "The Mantle of Education" to students in remote Australia.
Further Information
For further information about Development and Philanthropy at St Philip's College, please contact:
Mr Paul Bailey
Development, Enterprise & Foundation
St Philip's College
PO Box 33
Alice Springs NT 0871
Ph: (08) 8950 4577
E: paul.bailey@stphilips.nt.edu.au
We acknowledge the Arrernte people as the traditional custodians and first educators of Mparntwe. Our school is home to students from nations all around the world. We ‘strive’ to work with and continue learning from First Nations people. We ‘seek’ to be a part of Australia’s reconciliation journey by engaging in truth-telling. We aim to ‘care’ for Country through connection and environmental education. We pay our respects to elders past and present and thank them for their care of Country and sharing of knowledge.