As a family-owned, Queensland construction firm in business for over 100 years, Wiley knows the potential for our work to impact the community. For this project, our dedication is deeply personal—because it’s our community too. Situated less than a kilometre from Buranda State School, Wiley’s head office is a stone’s throw away. Since 1918 (the same origin year as Wiley), the school has been an education cornerstone within the vibrant Stones Corner and Woolloongabba communities. Our connection to the school dates back over 50 years, when Graham Harvey, Wiley’s Construction and Commercial Advisor was a student at Buranda State School (Boys). Graham finished up at the school immediately before starting his apprenticeship at Wiley at 16 years of age, he continues to work for Wiley today with a tenure of 51 years.
The transformative power of community collaboration
Over time, the area has undergone tremendous renewal, with transformative projects such as the Hanlon Park/Bur’uda rejuvenation and the Norman Creek bikeway development.
In its original form, Norman Creek meandered through what is now the school’s oval. Just as Norman Creek has been shaped by external forces, Buranda State School has evolved to always be, as its motto declares —’only the best’—in response to the changing education and social landscape.
Initially, the school operated as separate boys’ and combined girls’ and infants’ schools. After the December 1941 Japanese assault in the Pacific, the Qld Government closed all coastal schools until summer’s end. Playing fields were converted into slit trenches for air raid shelters. Buranda State School was among schools allowed to resume in March 1942 with these protections. Teachers were trained in first aid and students up to grade six attended morning classes only, with infant classes closed until the end of 1942. In 1967 the boys’, girls’ and infants’ schools combined.
Buranda State School: honouring the past, embracing the future
With the revitalisation of Norman Creek, local flora and fauna have flourished. This parallels the project’s goals to ensure Buranda State School—with a new multi-level learning centre and A Block refurbishment—continues to thrive and meet the needs of the growing local community.
Appointed architect, arkLAB, has integrated a motif honouring Norman Creek’s original form into the project’s design. Woven into carpets and ceilings, this motif memorialises the creek’s resilience. Truly an inspirational backdrop for students of the future, as they carve their way through a unique, transformative learning journey, with gentle shaping from skilled teachers and staff.
Wiley: building the future for Buranda State School and the local community
Standing atop the hill on Martin Street, our project team looked towards Toohey Mountain, the origin of Norman Creek and a reminder of the area’s rich heritage. In that moment, we reflected on Wiley’s unique strengths in construction and collaboration — is how we can honour the heritage and help build the future for Buranda State School and our shared community. Ultimately, Wiley wishes to leave behind a transformative footprint for Buranda State School and the local community.
