Kairos Community College Plans Purpose-Built Campus in Nambour for At-Risk Youth
A senior secondary school that provides vital support to disengaged and at-risk young people is set to expand its footprint on the Sunshine Coast, with a new purpose-built campus planned for Nambour.
Kairos Community College has officially lodged a development application with Sunshine Coast Council to establish a two-storey educational facility on a 1533sqm site at the corner of Coronation Avenue and Carroll Street — directly opposite Nambour State College.
The proposed campus aims to offer a safe, inclusive, and flexible learning environment for young people aged 15 to 19 who have disengaged from mainstream education due to a range of personal, social, or emotional challenges. Known for its trauma-informed and student-centred approach, Kairos has already changed the lives of many students across Queensland and is now seeking to bring its unique model of education to the Nambour community.
Supporting Young People Who’ve Fallen Through the Cracks
The Nambour expansion comes at a time when the need for alternative education options on the Sunshine Coast continues to grow. With rising youth mental health issues, family instability, and increased disengagement from traditional schooling pathways, Kairos offers a lifeline to students who might otherwise be left behind.
The new facility is expected to include modern classrooms, wellbeing and counselling spaces, quiet learning zones, and open outdoor areas designed to encourage connection, creativity, and calm. The college’s holistic approach also incorporates vocational training, career readiness support, and personal development programs tailored to each student’s needs.
“Kairos exists to re-engage young people in learning and help them find their path,” said a college spokesperson. “This new campus will allow us to reach even more young people in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, particularly in and around Nambour, who need a supportive and responsive environment to thrive.”
Strategic Location with Community Benefits
The proposed site — across from Nambour State College — places Kairos in a strategic location to work collaboratively within the broader educational landscape while offering an alternative pathway for students who need something different. The site’s central position also makes it easily accessible by public transport and close to local youth services and employment hubs.
The development application outlines a thoughtfully designed two-storey building that will fit comfortably within the existing streetscape, with minimal impact on surrounding properties. The design focuses on creating a welcoming, calm environment — a hallmark of Kairos campuses across the state.
Community members and youth advocates have welcomed the announcement, recognising the importance of investing in education models that meet young people where they are.
“This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking initiative our region needs,” said a local youth support worker. “There are so many young people in this area who just need the right environment, the right mentors, and a second chance. Kairos provides all of that.”
A Brighter Future for Local Youth
Kairos Community College operates on the belief that all young people — no matter their background or circumstances — deserve access to quality education and the opportunity to succeed. With small class sizes, dedicated youth workers and educators, and a flexible, personalised curriculum, the college empowers students to reimagine their futures.
Pending council approval, construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the first cohort of students anticipated to start the following year. As the project moves forward, Kairos has committed to ongoing consultation with local stakeholders to ensure the new campus reflects the unique needs and aspirations of the Nambour community.
This development marks not just the growth of a school, but a deep investment in the potential of the Sunshine Coast’s young people. With the planned Nambour campus, Kairos Community College continues its mission to provide hope, belonging, and real opportunity — one student at a time.
