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Olympic School Project Delays Impact Glenala State High School in Durack

Delays in the Go for Gold school infrastructure program have directly affected Glenala State High School in Durack, where major sports upgrades scheduled for completion in 2025 have not yet begun.

Background of the Delays in Durack

Glenala State High School in Durack is one of six schools awarded Category 3 funding through the Go for Gold program in July 2024. These projects, valued between $2.5 million and $5 million, were intended to be completed by December 2025. By late 2025, none of the Category 3 projects had commenced.

Go for Gold delays — Photo Credit: Glenala SHS/Facebook

Revised Timelines for Glenala’s Project

The Education Department expects construction on all Category 3 projects to begin in early 2026, with completion now projected for the end of 2026. Glenala’s planned upgrade includes covered outdoor multipurpose courts designed to expand training spaces for the school’s netball program.

Category 3 Schools Affected Across Queensland

The delay affects six schools in total: Aitkenvale State School, Bentley Park College, Cairns West State School, Glenala State High School, Tagai State College’s Thursday Island Secondary Campus and White Rock State School. These projects were intended to support school sports participation ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Durack’s Additional Link Through Round 1 Funding

Durack is also connected to the program through Durack State School, which received Round 1 sports equipment funding. Round 1, announced in May 2023, offered grants of up to $5,000 for equipment and was not part of the delayed construction works.

Glenala State High School — Photo Credit: Glenala SHS/Facebook

Explanation of the Program Structure

The Go for Gold Fund forms part of a four-year commitment supporting school sports and physical activity across Queensland. Round 2 distributed funding for infrastructure projects in three categories, with Category 3 representing the highest tier at up to $5 million. None of the Category 3 projects reached the original December 2025 completion date.

Impact on Durack and Its School Community

Glenala State High School in Durack remains without the planned facilities intended to support student training opportunities, including its netball excellence program. The revised schedule places completion at the end of 2026.

Next Steps for Glenala and Other Category 3 Schools

Category 3 schools are expected to progress to construction during 2026, subject to weather conditions, market capacity and construction schedules. No further updates relating specifically to Glenala or Durack are provided in the available program information.

Published 28-Nov-2025

Mothers Brawl at Durack State School During Pick-up

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Violence erupted at Durack State School‘s carpark Tuesday afternoon when three mothers engaged in a brawl involving spitting and punching during school pick-up time, forcing teachers to shield children from the scene.

The incident occurred around 3:15 PM at the school located south of Brisbane, when according to eyewitness Brigita Grigutyte, one woman entered a mini-van before being dragged out by another woman who grabbed her hijab. The situation escalated with a third woman joining the fight.

Staff members at Durack State School took immediate action to protect students, with teachers covering children’s eyes and comforting distressed pupils while calling for assistance. The altercation included physical violence, with witnesses reporting the women removed their shoes to use as weapons.

Queensland Police confirmed they were called to the disturbance and stated that initial investigations indicate the individuals involved were known to each other. The Queensland Ambulance Service also attended the scene.

A Department of Education spokesman acknowledged the incident at Durack State School but declined to provide additional details, citing privacy concerns.

Police are currently investigating the altercation and have called for anyone with information or relevant footage to come forward.

The incident has raised concerns about public behaviour within the Durack school community, particularly during school pick-up times when numerous children are present.

Published 19-February-2025

Two-Year-Old Boy Killed in Durack State School Car Park Accident

Photo Credit: gofundme.com

A two-year-old Somali boy died on Thursday afternoon, November 28, in an accident at the car park of Durack State School. The tragic incident occurred around 3:34 PM with the child’s mother and sibling reportedly witnessing the event during school pick-up time.

Police Commissioner Steve Golleschewski confirmed an investigation is underway. “It’s early days on that investigation,” he said. “That’s just the worst thing for any family, to think a young one is lost so tragically … a life that will never be realised, so huge sympathy to that family.”

No charges have been laid, and police stated that a woman is assisting with inquiries.

The school community has been deeply affected. Durack State School’s Facebook statement expressed profound sadness, offering condolences to the family and confirming counselling support would be available. The pre-prep program was cancelled due to the incident.

Beny Bol from the Queensland African Communities Council offered condolences, saying, “It will be so forever. We need to be together and put yourself in the same situation.”

Safety concerns were raised by parents. One unidentified parent told media, “There is no fencing to stop kids from running onto the road,” while another described it as “an accident waiting to happen.”

The Department of Education issued a statement: “A tragic incident took place at Durack State School yesterday afternoon, and investigations are currently underway. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the affected family and to our entire school community.”

The investigation continues as the community mourns the loss of the young boy, with flowers, notes, and toys surrounding the school as a memorial.

Published 29-November-2024