Official launch of ECG Secondary College Toomah campus celebrated with Welcome to Country
Community College Gippsland (CCG) has officially launched a new senior campus for its independent school, ECG Secondary College, at the Toomah Community Centre in Pakenham. The milestone event was honoured with a Welcome to Country performed by Josh West from the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, paying respect to the Traditional Custodians of the land and recognising the significance of people, culture and connection in the educational journey.
ECG Secondary College (School No 2062) is an independent school, committed to supporting young people with alternative senior secondary education needs, through inclusive, practical and student-centred education. The new Toomah campus will accommodate senior students in Years 11 and 12, while ECG’s existing Pakenham campus at 126 Princes Highway provides more space for Years 9 and 10.
“At ECG, we provide a welcoming environment where students can re-engage with their education, build confidence, social and life skills, and explore real pathways to further study or meaningful employment,” said Russel Praetz, Principal of ECG Secondary College. “Our approach is designed to meet students where they are, and support them to thrive.”
Operating in Pakenham for more than a decade, ECG has supported senior secondary students through its applied learning approach. The new Toomah campus will allow more students to benefit from tailored education that promotes resilience, wellbeing and hands-on learning.
The relocation also brings the school into close proximity with two key community partners, Windermere Child and Family Services and the Lime Box Café & Food Hub, both co-located at the Toomah Community Centre. These organisations offer real-world learning and support experience for students and their families.
“Being co-located with community services like Windermere and the Lime Box Café gives our students access to real-world experiences that build both practical skills and personal growth,” said Dale Gemmell, CEO of CCG. “This partnership model strengthens our commitment to social inclusion and ensures students are better prepared for life beyond school.”
Dr Lynette Buoy, CEO of Windermere, welcomed ECG’s arrival to the centre:
“Windermere is excited to welcome ECG to the Toomah Community Centre in Pakenham. As a founding partner of Toomah, we’ve co-located with a number of organisations before and believe that ECG’s work aligns well with our values and vision of a stronger, connected and supported community. We thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated being a part of ECG’s launch event and look forward to sharing the space together.”
The event was attended by Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik, who welcomed the new campus to the thriving community, saying: “ECG’s expansion and co-location with Windermere Child and Family Services and Limebox Cafe at Toomah Community Centre is a great outcome for students and our community.
“ECG is delivering high-quality education that not only meets our kids where they’re at but also builds their confidence to pursue and transition to employment following their schooling,” Mayor Kowarzik said.
“With more families choosing to live in Cardinia Shire every day, Council is working hard to foster and improve local access to quality education and employment opportunities for our local community. Supporting educational institutions like CCG to have a presence within our Shire is one way we’re working together to support our diverse community, build connections, and boost opportunities for our local workforce.”
This campus expansion reflects CCG’s ongoing commitment to providing highquality, flexible, and inclusive education that transforms lives and strengthens communities.
By focusing on engagement, wellbeing, and practical learning, ECG is not only helping students finish school but also preparing them to step confidently into the future workforce and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Enrolments are now open, and ECG encourages students and families to explore this supportive, student-centred learning environment. For more information or to apply, visit https://ecg.vic.edu.au/enrol-with-us/ or contact 03 5622 6000.