The Queensland Government has confirmed the transfer of the former Normanton TAFE site to the Gulf Christian College, following the long-term advocacy efforts of Carpentaria Shire Council.
The transfer was facilitated through a sale agreement following an independent market valuation and will allow the Gulf Christian College to establish a dedicated Secondary School campus on the Normanton site, allowing high school students to complete their schooling without leaving home.
Access to vocational education and training remains available in the Carpentaria region through a range of registered training organisations as well as qualifications through TAFE Queensland available online, in workplaces and at school. Normanton TAFE had the lowest utilisation of any TAFE in Queensland, said Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates.
Minister Bates said the transfer of the underused Normanton TAFE site to the Gulf Christian College would improve educational outcomes for the broader community.
“The Crisafulli Government remains committed to working closely with communities to deliver what they need while returning respect for taxpayers’ money,” she said.
“The Gulf Christian College and other key stakeholders have identified the redevelopment of the former Normanton TAFE site as a transformative educational opportunity for the community.
“It makes sense to turn a TAFE with such low utilisation into a high school, helping deliver educational outcomes for local students – working with Gulf Christian College, this is a game changer for the region.
“This transfer would not have been possible without the long-term support and advocacy of Carpentaria Shire Council Mayor Jack Bawden, the council as a whole and other key stakeholder in the region.”
Carpentaria Shire Council Mayor, Jack Bawden said it was exciting to see the underutilised facility being transferred to the Gulf Christian College.
“This is going to be great for the local young people to be able to finish their Year 12 studies right here in Normanton,” Mayor Bawden said.
“There are a lot of young people who have not had the opportunity to finish their senior high school education locally who will now get that opportunity.
“I have also had discussions with the Gulf Christian College’s longer-term plans to offer training options for early school leavers who want to return to mainstream study, such as adult literacy and numeracy courses.
“Overall, this is a great outcome not just for Normanton but it’s good news for the entire Gulf region,” he said.
Gulf Christian College Principal, Andrew Evetts said the purchase of the Normanton TAFE site was a monumental step forward in the College’s mission to impact lives, creating opportunity and change futures.
“This is an exciting time for our school and our community. This year, we introduced Year 10 and Year 11 and now we will have Year 12 commencing in 2026,” Principal Evetts said.
“This expansion is more than just classrooms; it is about Creating Opportunities for our young people to grow academically, spiritually, and personally.
“Offering senior schooling locally means our students can continue their education journey in a nurturing Christian environment, supported by family and culture.
“We believe this initiative will have a profound and positive impact on our young people, giving them the tools, faith and confidence they need to succeed.
“In this acquisition we sincerely thank the support of the Queensland Government and Carpentaria Shire Council.”
