In a significant development for youth education in the Illawarra region, Craig Davis College has officially opened its new campus at the University of Wollongong Innovation Campus. The school, which operates under the Youth Off The Streets organisation, relocated from its previous location at the old Keelong Juvenile Justice Centre in Cordeaux Heights.
A New Environment of Opportunity
School manager Paula Brown described the move as transformative for both students and staff. The new location provides incredible opportunities for partnerships with the University of Wollongong and other community organisations, creating an aspirational environment for young people who have experienced disadvantage.
"Being around a university environment in this beautiful campus shows them they can be part of this world," Ms Brown explained. "This is really important for our young people in terms of building their social capital and showing them that there are opportunities and a bright future ahead."
Student Perspectives on the Change
The students have enthusiastically embraced their new learning environment. Seventeen-year-old Ollie expressed appreciation for the improved facilities, noting that the previous campus felt cramped compared to their new spacious surroundings with its gorgeous views.
Practical benefits have also emerged from the relocation closer to central Wollongong. Sixteen-year-old William highlighted the convenience of being closer to the university and the city centre, while fellow student Deacon, aged 17, appreciated the easier access to public transport options.
Educational Focus and Future Growth
Craig Davis College serves as one of six independent high schools operated by Youth Off The Streets, a not-for-profit organisation supporting young people aged 12 to 24 in New South Wales and Queensland who face homelessness and disadvantage.
The college currently educates 45 students across Years 9 to 12, with plans to expand to a maximum of 60 students. Ms Brown emphasised that maintaining favourable staff-to-student ratios remains crucial to their educational approach.
"Our focus is obviously on education and providing a good educational service," she stated. "We want to give them the wellbeing and support so these young people can be their best selves and achieve whatever they aim to do in life."
Building Community Partnerships
The relocation has already fostered valuable collaborations, including an arrangement with UniActive that allows students to use gym facilities while receiving training from UOW College students. Principal Aaron McDonald characterised the move as a game-changing development for the school community.
"I'm a big believer in if you can see it, you can be it," Mr McDonald said. "The possibilities that are opened up now because we're here and the partnerships with other people on the university side just means our young people have better opportunities."
Ms Brown noted that after just six weeks at the new location, the school anticipates many more collaborative opportunities to emerge, significantly increasing community engagement compared to their previous isolated setting in Cordeaux Heights.
