A senior secondary school that supports disengaged and at-risk young people is planning to expand its footprint on the Sunshine Coast with a new purpose-built campus in Nambour.
Kairos Community College has lodged a development application with Sunshine Coast Council seeking approval to establish a two-storey educational facility on a 1533sqm site at the corner of Coronation Avenue and Carroll Street, opposite Nambour State College.
The proposed development aims to deliver alternative education options for students in Years 10-12 who have struggled to thrive in mainstream schools. Kairos already operates campuses in Caloundra and Deception Bay.
A planning report by Gaskell Planning Consultants says the building will be 7.5m high and have a total gross floor area of 792sqm.
“This development will facilitate the expansion of the college’s operations into the Sunshine Coast hinterland, providing a greater number of students to alternative educational pathways,” it says.
“The proposed development represents a valuable infill opportunity for the delivery of a new community-focused facility within the Nambour town centre.
“The subject site, currently underutilised, is strategically located in close proximity to key regional transport corridors, as well as a range of essential services and amenities.”
The campus would be constructed in two stages. Stage 1 will accommodate 34 students and eight staff, with facilities including a general learning area building, staff offices, amenities, seven car parking spaces and a half-size basketball court. Stage 2 would allow for a maximum of 66 students and 12 staff, with four more car spaces added.
The college’s website says the new campus will begin operations in 2026 at a temporary location in Nambour, with construction of the permanent campus expected to be completed in 2027. The college will begin accepting enrolment referrals in mid-2025.
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A Kairos spokesperson explained the vision for the campus.
“Kairos Community College sees a strong need for our model of education across the Sunshine Coast,” they said.
“Nambour and its surrounding communities have shown growing demand for flexible, inclusive schooling options that support young people who may be disengaged from traditional education pathways. We’re excited about the opportunity to contribute to the existing educational landscape and provide another supportive option for local families.”
The college’s curriculum combines Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority subjects with nationally recognised vocational training, preparing students for a variety of post-school pathways.
Class sizes are kept intentionally small to ensure a low student-to-teacher ratio, meaning places are limited and not all applicants are offered a position.
“As a Special Assistance School, Kairos works exclusively with disengaged or at-risk young people,” the spokesperson said.
“Referrals are received through professional pathways and, once received, families are invited to visit the campus, meet with the head of campus and a youth worker, and explore whether the college is a good fit. If the young person is deemed suitable, enrolment paperwork is completed and they are added to the waitlist.”
The spokesperson explained how the project would be funded.
“Kairos is an independent non-denominational charitable organisation providing fee-free education to senior secondary students,” they said. “As such, we rely on state and federal government funding as well as community support.”
The spokesperson said the college could also expand to other parts of the Sunshine Coast or further afield in the future.
“Our long-term vision is to broaden our impact and extend the Kairos approach to other communities where young people could benefit from an alternative education setting,” they said.
The application is subject to code assessment. It also requires State Assessment and Referral Agency approval because it’s within 25m of the state-controlled Coronation Avenue.
