Innovation Centre Set to Inspire
Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns Executive Director, Durm O’Riordan, and Bishop Joe Caddy AM recently travelled to the Tablelands to inspect the site of the new Innovation Centre at St Stephen’s Catholic College, Mareeba.
The innovative new centre is set to be a contemporary educational space designed to inspire the next generation of innovators, creators and thinkers, equipped with a range of cutting-edge features designed to foster creativity, collaboration and innovation.

“There will be a Maker Space tailored for hands-on learning, breakout zones for teamwork and reflection, small work pods and a large open area that will encourage big ideas,” said St Stephen’s Business Manager, Hadyn Flynn, who is overseeing the project.
“The Centre will also contain an Agricultural Science Lab, a virtual reality room, two recording studios and a dedicated digital technology classroom. These rooms are designed to promote interdisciplinary learning and innovation.”
The Innovation Centre’s design is closely aligned with local industries – particularly agriculture and horticulture.
“Our aim is to provide students with key skills and knowledge that allow them to succeed and support the local economy,” Mr Flynn said.
“This will become a place for academic learning in traditional lessons and also a space where the school’s vision of fostering creativity, collaboration and enterprise comes to life.”

The physical building is underpinned by a staff commitment to research and innovation that will inspire teaching methods that enable students to reach their full potential. Mrs Prue Vaughan, St Stephen’s Middle Leader, was a real driver of the building design and has worked closely with staff to upskill their pedagogical practice. Her vision is for the new space to become a premier learning facility that fosters creative problem solving, collaboration and critical thinking.
The Innovation Centre is on track for a May 2025 completion with classes commencing in Semester 2, 2025.
Follow the link to find out more about St Stephen’s Catholic College, Mareeba.