DESPITE a cold and blustery winter morning, the new buildings at Baimbridge College were officially opened yesterday as part of the Stage One Capital Works project.

With Southern Grampians Shire Council members, Nicholson Construction representatives, Uncle Johnny Lovett, former staff members and Western Victoria MP, Jaala Pulford in attendance, the new wings comprising of science, food, technology and administration were celebrated in front of an assembly of the students and other community members.

Ms Pulford and Council members had earlier been through a tour of different classrooms by principal, Warwick Price, and were impressed with what they saw.

“It’s just a beautiful modern learning space for some of our most in-demand skills,” Ms Pulford said.

“The students can be inspired and learn new exciting things and find their passion.”

Mr Price took the entourage through the science rooms, where some classes were already being held, and then moved on to the well-equipped technology areas, which cover metal, woodwork, robotics and textiles.

He was especially pleased to show off the state-of-the-art food technology facility, with stovetops, ovens, microwaves and considerable storage space.

“Great design and Nicholson (Construction) did really well to make it all work,” Mr Price said.

Light now streams into the classroom through the windows which have an elevated view of the two new sport courts outside.

“We were initially allocated with one half court and we’ve ended up with two,” he said.

“It’s got lots of lines because it’s multipurpose - it’s certainly a great option for our kids. Hopefully down the track it will be something that the community can access as well.

“We’ve got some other plans down the track to be able to get some lighting, so we’ll work towards that.”

At the ceremony, Southern Grampians Shire mayor, Bruach Colliton, said he was thrilled to have a good look at the upgrade.

“I’ve got memories when I was a young child of coming and running around this facility - or the old facility then in the early 80s,” he said.

“Even then it was old and that’s 40 years ago.

“This is an over $8 million investment here, which is very significant to our region. It’s a fantastic building.”

Ms Pulford said it was especially meaningful for her to see the project completed.

“It’s really exciting to be to be here, having been here for the funding announcement in 2018,” she said.

“It’s so great to really feel the warmth of the entire school community.

“(We) thank the builders and the architects who we recognise for getting this done and getting this done so well.

“I’m sure that they also want to thank everybody that had input into the design and the colours, and it just looks amazing.”

Ms Pulford said the “occasion (yesterday) morning (was) to celebrate an investment” in the students at Baimbridge, both now and decades into the future.

“Imagine what it’s going to be like in the next 30 years,” she said.

Perhaps the most notable praise came from Mr Lovett, who opened proceedings as a representative of the Indigenous Gunditjmara-Boandik people.

“I’m pretty impressed with your school,” he quipped.

“She’s a lot different to the school I went to.

“Had it been as good as this, I may have stayed longer.”