Supporting Carmel College
The Conference Executive is considering how it can upgrade Carmel College and the Carmel Estate so that we can provide a vastly improved environment for the mission of the school and church. Back in 1997, we had a serious financial situation in our school’s system and, as a result, Carmel College has not had the money spent on upgrades that are needed.
Projects On Our Carmel Estate
Toilets – for female and male students are run down and need serious work. The school has never had staff toilets, and this does not meet Child Safe Policy in today’s world. The Principal has made it clear to our School Board that staff are not comfortable using student toilets in today’s climate and nor should they be expected to.
Fire System Upgrade – as this has been highlighted by authorities this needs to be done before the new fire season. This may impact our insurance and this project needs to be completed before the next fire season. Costs on this project will be shared with Sanitarium.
Power Upgrade – there is not sufficient power to our school on the Carmel Estate. During last summer there was a power outage because of this issue. Western Power had to be called to rectify the issue. Further call outs to Western Power will result in significant charges for each call out. Power usage has increased with the changes in education and the use of air conditioning.
Entry roads on the Estate - the current entry and road from the First Avenue Bickley end of the Estate does not give a good impression for our school and the road needs to be widened and sealed. While this could be delayed for a year or two, it is something that has been on the list to do for many years.
Windows and frames on the School Building – the Schools Board has only been made aware of the deterioration of the window frames of the main building and they need to be replaced as many are now inoperable.
Available Finance For Projects
The overall budget for these projects is in excess of three million dollars. Unfortunately, we do not have the funds available. Due to other developments across the Conference we cannot borrow the money because we are at the limit of our borrowing at this time.
Sale of Land
The Conference Executive has considered the situation and, at a Town Hall Meeting at Carmel College on the 7th of May, the idea of selling some of the Carmel Estate was presented. The land proposed for sale used to be known as the “ Old Dairy.” The “ Old Dairy” has two separate titles that can be sold, one block being 10 hectares and the other block being 3.5 hectares. Please note:
The land is zoned as rural agriculture and cannot be subdivided into smaller lots. It is also in a water catchment area and the land cannot be cleared and trees cannot be removed.
The land is on the Eastern Side of Glenisla Road. See attached map to show the land that may be sold.
The land is in excess to school needs and there is approximately 40 hectares still available on the Carmel Estate. This far exceeds the needs of the school.
It includes three houses, and these will be sold with their current rental agreements.
The grave of Ms Giblett is on this land and it will be preserved into the future.
Follow Up
The proposed sale and reason for the need to sell has been communicated with our churches by the Conference Secretary, Pastor Brad Thomas, and by email that was sent out by the Conference President, Pastor Steve Goods.
People have gathered on the Carmel Estate to pray through the issue and seek guidance moving forward. A group of people have formed a committee known as the Carmel Development Committee and they are also seeking solutions and talking with the Conference leadership.
The Conference Executive has continued to discuss the issue and has considered suggestions which have been put forward by the above group and others.
The Perth Adventist Orchestra is running a fund raising and awareness concert, called One 4 Carmel, on 14 and 15 September. See poster on the right for more details. You can also make a tax-deductible donation by selecting your offering to the Seventh-day Adventist school building fund. You can do this on the e-giving app, on the tithe and offering enevelope at your local church, or talking directly to the Finance team at the Conference office on 9398 722.
As we navigate this complex issue, we are committed to seeking the best outcome for Carmel College and our broader community. We recognise the personal and historical significance of the Carmel Estate, and the decision to sell any part of it is not taken lightly.
We value and appreciate the ongoing prayers, support and feedback from everyone involved. Our goal is to ensure that Carmel College can continue to thrive and fulfil its mission for many years to come. The Conference Executive will make a decision on whether to sell the land on 1 October, and we will continue to keep the community informed.
