Mount Scopus College Foundation launches major campaign to relocate the school and create the Centre for Jewish Life
Melbourne’s Mount Scopus College Foundation has launched its Generation campaign at a Gala Dinner with the project focussing on the relocation of Mount Scopus College to Caulfield and the construction of the Centre for Jewish Life.
More than 500 Foundation members, as well as Federal and State politicians, Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon and guest of honour, former US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, heard how this will be the largest construction project ever undertaken in the Australian Jewish community and one of the largest greenfield developments of any Jewish community in the world.
“This project will radically change the trajectory of the Victorian Jewish community for the better,” says David Gold, Scopus Foundation President.
“The Generation campaign will give the College the opportunity to build a campus where future generations of students can learn and grow, while the Centre for Jewish Life will create a home for Jewish communal organisations and a place where people feel safe and secure to be themselves.”
The Centre for Jewish Life will incorporate: the Mount Scopus College Gandel Campus; a Sports Precinct in partnership with Maccabi Victoria; a Jewish Community Centre (including Beth Weizmann); a Centre for Adult Education; a Wellness Hub; a Centre for Creative Arts; and a Music and Performing Arts Precinct that will include a Performing Arts Complex. It will have function venues, lecture theatres, cafes, a shule, a library and a whole range of other facilities.
“Our purpose-built Mount Scopus College Gandel Campus will provide state-of-the-art facilities so future generations of students can benefit from a Scopus education and the Scopus way of life,” says Rabbi James Kennard, College Principal.
“Scopus’ success is derived from its values, its innovation, the tremendous efforts of its staff and the positive culture and ethos of its students. These will continue to be the College’s hallmarks as we build the best environment for our students to thrive.”
“Our hope is that this project results in more Jewish children having the chance to receive a life-changing Jewish education,” adds Amy Hershan, College President.
A project of this scope will take many years before it is realised, and talks will continue with the State Government and Opposition to turn this vision into a reality. Discussions with Jewish communal organisations will also continue throughout the breadth of the project to best understand how the community can utilise the facilities.
