THE stage was set for the unveiling of Warwick’s latest auditorium yesterday at the School of Total Education (SOTE).

Councillors, contractors, business leaders, students and special guest Senator John Hogg lined the walls of the foyer as the state-of-the art facility was declared open.

The multi-purpose facility, the Vijayadev Yogendra Auditorium, boasts the largest stage in Warwick, will seat up to 350 people, includes a number of dressing rooms and will double as an indoor sports centre.

It will also run from solar power, with the surplus will be sold back to the grid.

Principal Richard Waters said he had wanted such a facility not long before the onset of the Global Financial Crisis.

“About three months after (I was speaking about it), the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) happened,” he laughed. “Then, through the government’s program, we were able to secure funding.”

About $925,000 came from the Federal Government, $75,000 from Parents and Friends of the School and $370,000 from the Total Health and Education Foundation.

Senator Hogg, a former teacher, said the government’s $42 billion package did more than help set up such buildings.

“It has helped protect the dignity of individuals in our community,” he said.

“It’s trying to prevent people from unemployment and also helps small businesses.

“A number of people have come up to me and said their small business survived because of the stimulus.” This auditorium was the 130th opening for Senator Hogg.

Southern Downs Mayor Ron Bellingham the building was important to the community. “It’s so important we manage and contribute to the education for our young people as we know that is our future.”