Construction is officially underway for the much-anticipated expansion of Byford Secondary College, a project set to not only increase the school’s capacity but also challenge norms in the construction industry. Led by BADGE Constructions, this initiative has introduced gender equality targets that mark a shift in how government-backed projects approach workforce diversity. The contract aims for 10 per cent of the total on-site workforce to consist of female workers, a notable step in an industry where women’s participation often hovers below 3 per cent in trade roles. This goal has been collaboratively set with industry leaders to address the underrepresentation of women in construction and boost cultural diversity.
The expansion will see the college’s capacity grow from 1,680 to 2,000 mainstream students, offering state-of-the-art facilities to cater to the community’s growing educational needs. A new double-storey building will house general learning areas alongside cutting-edge science, STEM, IT, and design and technology laboratories. The project also includes an education support classroom, staff study spaces, and a revamped student services hub. Additionally, a significant refurbishment will transform the existing textiles and food preparation classroom into a modern food technology kitchen. This upgrade is expected to enhance the curriculum by enabling the delivery of a Certificate II Food Services program.
The Cook Government, which announced the initiative, sees it as a cornerstone in its broader agenda to enhance public infrastructure while fostering gender parity in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Byford Secondary College is only the second project of its kind to incorporate such gender targets, following the Fremantle Hospital Mental Health unit expansion. These benchmarks reflect a growing trend to align large-scale public works with progressive social goals, making a direct impact on workforce dynamics.
Regular reporting during the project’s timeline will track progress toward these targets, providing insights that could shape future policies. Since July 2024, state agencies have been mandated to include gender equality disclosure clauses in all significant procurement contracts. Organisations bidding for contracts worth $250,000 or more must disclose compliance with the Workplace Gender Equality Agency’s reporting obligations, ensuring accountability at every level.
Education Minister Dr Tony Buti underscored the multifaceted benefits of this initiative. While the expansion addresses the pressing need for increased school capacity due to local population growth, it also underscores the importance of fostering female talent in construction. Dr Buti expressed optimism that these efforts would set a precedent for similar projects and pave the way for more inclusive practices across the sector.
BADGE Constructions has been praised for its commitment to the cause. By prioritising opportunities for women, including apprentices and trainees, the company is helping to redefine industry norms. Finance and Women’s Interests Minister Sue Ellery highlighted the significance of this shift, emphasising that collaborations with businesses committed to equality are crucial for broader societal change. According to Ellery, this project is a practical demonstration of how the public sector can work with private entities to create a more balanced and representative workforce.
For the local community, the expansion of Byford Secondary College symbolises progress on multiple fronts. Darling Range MLA Hugh Jones spoke about the project as a fulfilment of a significant election commitment, with the infrastructure catering to the area’s rapid growth. The addition of new facilities aligns with other initiatives in the region, including the Byford Health Hub and the Byford Rail Extension, signalling the government’s investment in building resilient and well-equipped communities.
As this project unfolds, it stands as a case study in blending infrastructure development with progressive social policy. By providing a pathway for greater female participation in construction, it seeks to address systemic imbalances while delivering tangible benefits to the community. The project’s expected completion in mid-2026 will mark not just the expansion of a school, but the potential transformation of how public works integrate diversity goals into their frameworks.
The initiative’s dual focus on immediate educational benefits and long-term societal impact illustrates a forward-thinking approach to governance. While the additional capacity at Byford Secondary College will accommodate the area’s burgeoning student population, the gender equality measures embedded in the project represent an investment in a more equitable future. With local and state stakeholders collaborating effectively, the project could serve as a template for future endeavours in Western Australia and beyond.
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