An award-winning redesign has turned a former factory into a trauma-informed school helping disengaged students reconnect with learning. The space prioritises safety, wellbeing, and support so students can feel secure and thrive.
Award-winning design has repurposed a former liquorice factory into a school where students who struggle with mainstream education rediscover learning and hope.
MacKillop Family Services is pleased to announce that Mackillop Education Waranara School in Annandale, Sydney has won first place in the Under $5 million Renovation/Modernisation category of the 2026 Learning Environments Australasia Design Awards.
MacKillop General Manager Property & Fleet, Stephen Key, says, “We congratulate architects Bickerton Masters for successfully delivering on our vision for trauma-informed education environments. Grounded in evidence-based research, the design provides calm, predictable and choice-rich spaces that prioritise psychological safety and support emotional regulation.
“Our staff consistently report that the environment helps students feel safe, respected and ready to engage each day.
“Trauma-informed design is not simply about architecture—it is about creating practical, welcoming environments that support students to feel secure and connected.
“The School’s approach demonstrates how intentional design can foster emotional safety, build trust, and create a space where every student feels supported to learn and thrive.”
Operating as part of MacKillop Education since 2024, Waranara School provides a tailored and supportive learning environment for students in Years 9–12 who have disengaged, or are at risk of disengaging, from mainstream education. Students at Waranara School have a trauma background, mental health diagnosis and/or other disabilities.
“Trauma-informed education understands the impact that trauma has on students' wellbeing, learning and social skills, and designs the learning and school environment around that," explains Principal Rachael Peet. “Our school environment is spacious and welcoming, providing students with dedicated recreational areas, wellbeing rooms, and kitchens where they can take time out, connect, and receive support when needed.”
“MacKillop Education Waranara School has now reached full capacity with 105 students, and it is truly rewarding to see the space being fully utilised,” says Ms Peet.
“Overall, the school building has significantly transformed our approach to both learning and wellbeing, supporting a more holistic and responsive educational experience for all students.”
MacKillop Education operates specialist schools providing an alternative education model for those unable to engage in a mainstream school environment.
For more information visit mackillop.org.au/waranara or call 02 8565 7600.
-Ends-
For further information, contact the MacKillop media team:
Suzanne Schokman, Media & Communications Advisor (NSW) M: 0488 777 497 E: suzanne.schokman@mackillop.org.au
Angela Mallon, Media & Communications Team Lead M: 0438 076 313 E: angela.mallon@mackillop.org.au
About
MacKillop Education operates specialist schools suited to students whose learning and social/emotional needs cannot be adequately supported in a mainstream setting. It also offers education and engagement programs for students who are not currently attending school, or who are at risk of disengagement.
MacKillop Family Services is a national child and family welfare organisation with extensive experience delivering therapeutic and trauma-informed services. We operate residential care, foster care, family support, disability support, youth homelessness and education programs across NSW, VIC, WA, the ACT and the NT.
