Council
4 March, 2026
Civic centre to bustle with students
Wollondilly’s Shire Council’s new civic centre in Picton will soon be bustling with students.
Wollondilly’s Shire Council’s new civic centre in Picton will soon be bustling with students.
Council has decided to move ahead on a long-term lease agreement with Warakirri College for the commercial space inside the centre.
Warakirri College is a fee-free independent high school for students (15-22 years old) providing a small school setting in which to complete RoSA and HSC qualifications.
Council says the lease agreement aligns with its property investment objectives and will deliver “significant and ongoing economic and community benefits” for the whole shire.
“This an outstanding partnership for council and a clear win-win for everyone,” Wollondilly mayor Matt Gould said.
“The college will be a fantastic community asset that will support local young to thrive who have disconnected from mainstream schools.
“I can see a significant and enduring community benefit from this partnership – particularly the unique opportunity it provides to support some of our most vulnerable children in the shire who have not thrived within traditional education settings, by offering them a genuine second chance to learn, belong and succeed.
“This has the potential to change lives, strengthen families and deliver long-term benefits for our shire.”
Mayor Gould described Warakirri College as a “well-respected independent college” which already has five campuses and a “great record for students moving on to study at University or TAFE”.
He said the lease was a “big win” for council in financial terms and the lease income would “more than pay for construction of the Wollondilly Civic Centre”.
Mayor Gould said he was proud that council had adopted a prudent funding strategy for the project – which included lettable space – “meaning the construction comes at no cost to ratepayers over the life of the building”.
“This partnership with Warakirri proves that innovative strategy was right.
“We’re very happy to welcome Warakirri to Picton and look forward to a long-term partnership for the benefit of the Wollondilly community.”
The proposed Picton campus will accommodate approximately 120 students and 20 staff.
Alongside standard subjects, Warakirri offers students varied experiences and opportunities to connect with the local community through work and service.
Warakirri is a registered charity that receives financial support from both the State and Federal Governments, enabling students to attend without paying fees.
The proposed campus will be subject to the finalisation of other relevant approvals.
Warakirri will now lodge a development application for the Civic Centre space and seek approval from the Local Planning Committee in May this year.
The formal lease documentation will then be finalised and fit-out of the space completed.
The college currently operates five campuses as well as a virtual campus and provides distance education programs with a combined capacity of 630 enrolments.
Read More: Wollondilly, Picton