Sturdie was engaged to design, supply, and install the full electrical, communications, and security systems for the new Whyalla Secondary College, a landmark regional project on the Eyre Peninsula.
The project involves five interconnected multi-storey buildings, separate outbuildings, and a sports centre, consolidating three existing high schools into one state-of-the-art learning facility designed to accommodate 1,500 students from years 7 to 12 from 2022. Located almost 400 kilometres north of Adelaide, the project presented unique challenges, including regional logistics, sourcing local tradespeople, and securing temporary accommodation for Adelaide-based staff. The ambitious 17-month construction timeline coincided with COVID-19, requiring additional flexibility to manage supply chain disruptions and workforce availability.
Sturdie’s approach combined centralised planning from Adelaide with engagement of local tradespeople to support the community and provide on-site work experience opportunities for local students. Local accommodation and resources were secured to ensure continuity, while integrated design and pre-engineering facilitated seamless delivery to the site.
Electrical and security works were delivered comprehensively across the project, including temporary power for the site, underground cabling ahead of slab installation, first-fix wiring during construction, and final installation and commissioning of all fixtures and systems. Electrical works included 3.5 km of underground and 148 km of cabling, 2,600 internal light fittings, one main and 23 distribution boards, 2,800 power outlets, a 50-kW rooftop solar array, and C-bus controlled street, carpark, and pathway lighting.
Communications infrastructure incorporated a Panduit Cat 6a structured cabling system with over 93 km of cable and single-mode fibre throughout the site. Security infrastructure featured a fully integrated system with 150 hard-wired Gallagher access points, 150 Salto wireless locks, a Milestone video management system with high-definition Panasonic cameras, duress buttons, site-wide lock-down capabilities, and integration of the school bell system into the alarm network.
The Whyalla Secondary College now stands as a high-tech, flagship educational facility, providing exceptional functionality and security for students, staff, and the community.