The Minns Labor Government is continuing its commitment to rebuilding public education in NSW, with the announcement that Narrabeen Sports High School will receive a brand-new Performing Arts Hall, in addition to upgrades already underway.
The new stand-alone performance hall will include:
- A stage and large performance area with seating for up to 500 students
- Two acoustically treated music rooms
- A smaller performance space with a sprung wooden floor to support dance and other creative arts subjects
This marks the first time the school will have a dedicated performing arts space. Until now, the school has relied on off-site venues for performing arts activities.
The new facility complements ongoing upgrades across the campus, which include:
- Renovated Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) classrooms
- Refurbished science labs
- Upgraded amenities and change rooms
- A new roof across large sections of the school
In addition, new turf has been laid on the school’s sports oval. The area had been temporarily used by Narrabeen North Public School during upgrade works for the primary school and has now been returned to Narrabeen Sports High for school use.
Upgrades to 20 classrooms in Block C are also in progress, with final designs nearing completion and construction expected to begin in the coming months.
This work is part of the Minns Government’s record $8.9 billion investment to deliver new and upgraded public schools across NSW, including $3.6 billion for schools in Western Sydney.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, and Member for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby, visited the school on Friday Aril 11 to tour the new upgrades and meet with staff, students, and parents as Term 1 came to a close.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, The Hon. Prue Car, said:
“After years of neglect and broken promises from the former Liberal government, the Minns Labor Government is delivering high quality facilities for the Northern Beaches.
“Investing in our public schools is essential to ensuring every student in NSW has access to a world-class education.
“This upgrade will enrich student life at Narrabeen Sports High school—academically, physically, and creatively—for years to come.
“These improvements strengthen schools as community assets that serve local families and foster student success across generations.”
Member for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby, said:
“Dedicated creative and performing arts facilities at Narrabeen Sports High School are a big win for both the school and our local community.
“These are more than just buildings—they are an investment in our young people’s talents and a major expansion of the educational opportunities at the school.
“I advocated strongly for these facilities in Parliament and directly with the Minister, highlighting the school’s lack of creative space. With a government that supports the creative industries, we’re backing the next generation of talent from the ground up.
“I thank the NSW Government for its collaborative approach and commitment to the arts—it will have a lasting impact on this school and our region. This was the culmination of community action and advocacy of the P&C and will help our kids be shining lights on stages for years to come.
“Pittwater has a proud tradition in the creative arts, and it’s wonderful to see our students finally getting the performance spaces they deserve.”
Narrabeen Sports High School Principal, Heidi Currie, said:
“We’re excited to see our students and staff make the most of these new and upgraded facilities.
“Education opens the door to opportunity, and we’re proud to partner with our community to build a school that challenges students to thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
“These flexible, innovative learning spaces are designed to support the success of every student— and we look forward to what’s ahead.”
Narrabeen Sports High School Principal Heidi Currie (pink jacket), with Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby, and Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, The Hon. Prue Car. Photo: Michael Mannington OAM
Mia Murdoch Year 8 - Dance student said:
It’s like everything to me. I’ve been doing dance ever since I can remember and it feels so good to be able to perform it at school as well.
We’re very excited. I think it will be great to have our own space like all the other sports do. It means a lot to us.
Madison Lazich Year 8 - Dance student said:
That means a lot because I know the school is Narrabeen sports High obviously, but still dance for us and band, all of that means a lot and something that we love and shapes us - and we love that we are at a school that will support that love for us.
Jacqueline Hampson - Head of secondary studies - Narrabeen Sports High School, said:
“Having a creative and performing space and those facilities is so exciting for us because it’s not just a hall, it’s actually a launch pad for future possibilities.”
Suzie Stanford - President of the P&C said:
“On behalf of the P&C Executive and the entire Narrabeen Sports High School community, we are beyond thrilled about today’s announcement of a brand-new, purpose-built Creative & Performing Arts building for Narrabeen Sports High School.
“Today marks a bright new chapter for our school. NSHS will finally have purpose-built, state-of-the-art Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) classrooms and performance spaces to learn and perform in. These facilities will provide endless opportunities for our talented students and deliver much-needed, dedicated CAPA spaces for our students to develop and showcase their creative talents.
“This announcement is the result of great collaboration and coordinated efforts from our State and Federal MPs, the NSW Education Department, the NSW Government, the school staff, and the P&C. The dream of this exceptional facility has finally become a reality, giving our students and teachers the resources they deserve. We are deeply grateful to the NSW Education Department and the NSW Government for investing in our school, listening to our pleas for support, and recognising the incredible potential of our students and teachers.
“We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our local member for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby, who championed our cause from her very first day in Parliament *, and to our federal MP for Mackellar, Dr Sophie Scamps, whose long-standing support has been invaluable. Without their dedication and advocacy, this dream would not have been realised.
“This new facility will create fantastic opportunities for all our students to explore their creative passions, whether in dance, music, or drama. Our Dance Academy and HSC students will finally have purpose-built spaces where they can truly shine and showcase their talents.”
*Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby’s first question in parliament was on this topic. Visit Jacqui Scruby MP Q&A on commitment to Narrabeen SHS performing arts centre and Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, The Hon. Prue Car's, reply
A few more happy snaps:
Photos: Michael Mannington OAM
Narrabeen Sports High School Principal Heidi Currie, Suzie Stanford President of the NSHS P&C, Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby and The Hon. Prue Car, Deputy Premier and NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning. Photo: Michael Mannington OAM