On Thursday 5 November, La Salle College proudly celebrated the official opening of its new on-campus boarding facility, marking an important milestone in the life of our Lasallian community.
More than 90 guests gathered on the front lawn of the new facility, nestled alongside the beautiful bushlands of Blackadder Creek in Middle Swan. The occasion brought together students, staff, community members, alumni and boarding families – with some travelling from places such as the Tiwi Islands and Geraldton to share in this special moment.
We were honoured to welcome Ms Annette Morey, Executive Director of CEWA, Member for Midland Steve Catania MLA (representing Education Minister Sabine Winton MLA), City of Swan Mayor Tanya Richardson, former Principals and Directors of Boarding, members of our College Advisory Council, P&F representatives and CEWA staff, reflecting the strong network of people who have shaped and support boarding at La Salle.
Welcome to Country by Mr Des Blurton, accompanied by Mr Dylan Shillito on the didgeridoo, provided a meaningful start to proceedings and an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the land that La Salle boarding is situated on.Ā
The ceremony was led by Rev Fr Felipe Cortes Fernandez, with the facility officially opened by Ms Annette Morey, Executive Director of CEWA. In her address, Ms Morey acknowledged and thanked former CEWA Executive Director and La Salle College Principal Mr Wayne Bull AM for his longstanding commitment to First Nations education and initiating the La Salle boarding education program in 2011.
Following the conclusion of the official proceedings, families and guests were welcomed to tour the boarding facility. Guests enjoyed light refreshments provided by Nosh Catering. The occasion was also a great opportunity for our boarding families to connect with each other and build relationships with key College staff.Ā
More than just a building, the new La Salle boarding facility represents exciting educational opportunities and a welcoming home and community for students from regional and remote communities to belong and flourish in.Ā
New opportunities
The new facility can accommodate up to 40 students, in addition to dedicated staff accommodation and offers our boarding students functional living, study, recreation and cultural spaces including multiple yarning circles, basketball half court, and outdoor covered BBQ area.
Living on campus enables our boarding students to engage in all aspects of College life, helping to create stronger connections with peers and staff, while also supporting their educational, personal and spiritual growth.
Future hopes...
The true success of this building will be measured not just by its state-of-the-art facilities, but by the relationships formed, the sense of belonging created, and the opportunities it provides for generations of young First Nations people. āWe recognise the sacrifices families make to provide educational opportunities for their children away from their communities. We hope this new boarding house will strengthen the connection between home, family, and the College whilst providing a high-class, Christ-centred, child focused education for their childrenā.
Itās incredibly exciting to welcome our students into this beautiful new boarding facility and see them begin to make it their own. Our hope is that every student feels a genuine sense of belonging here, creating lifelong friendships and memories while making La Salle their home away from home.
I like the rooms and the basketball court. The showers are really nice and our Yarning Circles. I also like having lights next to our bed in our room.
It's really good. I like being close to school, my room is nice and I like using the school footy oval.
Building and Construction
We extend our sincere thanks to Munns Sly Moore Architects who designed the building with input from past and current boarding families, staff, and other boarding schools in the local community. Thank you also to Metrocon for carrying out the construction of the boarding facility.Ā
The artwork around the welcome yarning circle was designed by Marcia McGuire from Maali Aboriginal Designs, following consultation and feedback from the 2026 cohort of boarding students and La Salle Staff. Marcia has completed multiple public art commissions for Metronet and the City of Swan.
Thank you to Mr Lester Delaney, College Director of Finance and Administration for his overall project management and to our maintenance staff who played a key role in the building and construction phases of this project.Ā
