The facilities at Hawkesbury are part of a new model of agricultural education announced in 2019 with the NSW Government investing in the future of this important industry. 

The Centre of Excellence will include five science labs, 10 general learning spaces, practical activity teaching areas, seminar room, botany room, admin block and accommodation facilities for approximately 62 short term stay residents; designed for both students and adults. 

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the new facilities will be a huge benefit to students studying agriculture.

“The Centre of Excellence is an incredible investment in agricultural education. These facilities will provide students across NSW with access to the latest advancements in science and technology in the agricultural industry,” Ms Mitchell said. 

“The centre provides modern agricultural education facilities, with on-site residential accommodation, giving rural and regional students from across the state access to the best facilities." 

Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said access to state-of-the-art facilities like those planned for the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Education was critical to the success of the agricultural sector.

“Agriculture delivers $16B to our economy each year across our primary industries so it is vital our students have access to facilities that empower them to learn the skills and gain the knowledge they need to have a successful career in agriculture,” Mr Marshall said.

The Centre of Excellence will be used as a state-wide resource, delivering world class agricultural and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. 

The NSW Government is investing $7.9B over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 215 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.