Creating Opportunity
June 13, 2025Gulf ChristianCollege Creating Opportunity
Normanton, North Queensland
‘Creating Opportunity’ dated June 2025 _______________________________________________________________________
Nestled in the heart of Normanton, 700km west of Cairns and 500 km north-east of Mount Isa, Gulf Christian College has been a beacon of hope and opportunity since its establishment in 1986. As a small, remote school serving a predominantly Indigenous community, we are proud of the significant strides we are making in providing quality education that is both accessible and culturally grounded.
This year marks a historic milestone for our College and community with the introduction of senior secondary education. With the successful launch of Year 10 and Year 11 in 2025, and our first Year 12 cohort set to graduate in 2026, we are thrilled to now offer a full Prep to Year 11 program, soon to be Prep to Year 12. This development is more than just an academic expansion—it is a monumental step forward for Normanton. For the first time, local students can complete their entire school journey without having to leave their families, culture and community behind.
With 85% of our 110 students identifying as Indigenous, this initiative is a powerful step toward ‘closing the educational gap’ and empowering our young people with the tools they need to thrive. Our new senior program will offer a blend of academic and vocational pathways, tailored to the unique strengths and aspirations of our students. It is designed to equip them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue further education, training or employment—all while remaining connected to their ancestry and heritage.
Principal Mr Andrew Evetts shared, “This is an exciting time for our school and our community. Offering senior schooling locally means our students can continue their education journey surrounded by the support of their families and culture. We believe this initiative will have a profound and positive impact on our young people, giving them the tools and confidence they need to succeed.”
We are encouraging families in our community to enrol their children and be part of this exciting new chapter. Together, we look forward to seeing our students flourish and our community strengthened as we continue this journey of growth, learning and hope.
With growth comes expansion, and we are excited to share that we are exploring the development of a dedicated Secondary School campus right here in Normanton. This new additional campus will allow us to better serve our growing student body and provide purpose-built facilities that support a rich and engaging senior school experience.
As a unique aspect of our remote setting, every teacher and support professional we employ requires housing accommodation. To attract and retain high-quality staff, we are planning an innovative “Staff Resort” concept—comfortable, modern homes complemented by a shared recreational precinct that offers both relaxation and privacy. This vision reflects our commitment to creating a supportive and sustainable environment for our team.
Watch this space—Gulf Christian College is fast becoming a model for remote Indigenous and Christian education, and we are excited for what lies ahead.
Andrew Evetts
PRINCIPAL
