THE Sycamore School has secured its future in the Redlands after the Queensland Government confirmed a 30-year lease for the specialist autism school’s Alexandra Hills campus.
The long-term agreement provides certainty for students, families and staff and comes as the school prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2027.
The announcement was made during a visit by Finance Minister Ros Bates, Assistant Finance Minister and Oodgeroo MP Amanda Stoker, Redlands MP Rebecca Young and Capalaba MP Russell Field.
Sycamore School founder and board chair Cindy Corrie described the lease as a defining moment in the school’s history.
“This milestone gives us the certainty and foundation to continue growing our vision for the future,” Ms Corrie said.
“Most importantly, it ensures autistic young people and their families will continue to access an educational environment where every student is supported to grow academically, socially and emotionally through a strengths-based approach.”
The school said the lease represented a significant investment in specialist and inclusive education and would provide a stronger foundation for future growth.
Parent Heidi Denner, whose three children attend the school, said finding the school had been transformative for her family.
“After years of advocating for our children to be understood in mainstream education, finding a community that truly embraces them has been life-changing,” she said.
“Sycamore’s work is more than education – it is safeguarding, ensuring autistic young people are valued for who they are, supported to know their own worth, and empowered to thrive.”
The school also recently welcomed Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek to the campus.
As preparations begin for the school’s 10-year anniversary celebrations next year, Ms Corrie reflected on the journey since the school first opened.
“When you create these places, you never think about or expect to celebrate 10 years of impact,” she said.
The Sycamore School said the lease reinforced its long-term commitment to providing an inclusive, strengths-based learning environment for autistic students and their families across the region.
