- The Crisafulli Government saves the Sycamore School by delivering new 30 year lease after Labor failed to secure the school’s future.
- First school of its kind in Brisbane will continue to operate from TAFE Queensland’s Alexandra Hills campus, delivering on a key election commitment from the Crisafulli Government.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government.
The Crisafulli Government has delivered a much-needed lifeline for the students and families at the Sycamore School – Brisbane’s first school dedicated to autistic children.
The former Labor government left the school on the chopping block by failing to renew its lease, which was due to expire in October 2025.
The school has signed a new lease for 25 years with a potential extension of five years, guaranteeing specialist education will be available for autistic children for decades to come.
The school had been operating on a rolling lease while the new agreement was negotiated which will allow it to continue operating at TAFE Queensland’s Alexandra Hills campus.
Securing the school’s future will allow administrators to apply for capital grants which are vital to its ability to continue operating.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said safeguarding the school’s future was a key Crisafulli Government election commitment.
“We said we’d deliver a secure future for this school community and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” Minister Bates said.
“This lease means peace of mind for the Sycamore School and generations of future students and their families.
“It’s staggering that Labor would leave such a vital part of the community facing such a dire future which is why the Crisafulli Government made sure we’d deliver them a place to call home.
“I’d like to thank the school’s founders, Cindy and Cameron Corrie, and the Board and staff for their advocacy, passion and patience, which has led to this great result for the school and its students.”
The Sycamore School Board Chair and Founder, Cindy Corrie said the lease will allow the school to shape an ambitious future to support the autistic community.
“The 30-year lease is a defining moment for The Sycamore School. It provides the long-term security needed to plan responsibly, invest wisely, and ensure the school continues to serve autistic young people for generations to come,” Ms Corrie said.
“This lease gives us the confidence to plan, invest, and grow with purpose and it means our children have a place where they truly belong.”
