Silver Lining Foundation makes pitch for new Cairns City campus

Disaffected children entangled in the youth justice system could be funnelled into the Cairns CBD under a new proposal to set up a new educational facility.

The building at 12 Aplin St was previously occupied by Farrellys Lawyers. Picture: CoreLogic

Disaffected children entangled in the youth justice system could be funnelled into the Cairns CBD under a new proposal to set up an educational facility.

Earlier this month the Silver Lining Foundation Australia applied to Cairns Regional Council for a material change of use permit to expand the business’ Queensland operation and establish a small-scale education program for students in grades seven to 12.

According to the development application within a mixed-use zone, enrolments of 35 students at any given time will use the converted office building at 12 Aplin St made up of 21 “middle school” students and five secondary school students and a staff of five.

“The nature of the school curriculum and associated activities means that not all students will necessarily be on the premises at one time,” the DA stated.

Silver Lining Foundation Australia has sought permission from Cairns Regional Council to set up a school for disaffected Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island young people. Picture: Supplied

“The proposed development retains the exterior built form and involves only minor alterations to the existing internal floor plan.

“By retaining the heritage facade and awning, the development remains consistent with the streetscape character of the city centre, and provides shade to pedestrians entering, leaving and passing by the premises.”

The Silver Lining Foundation already operates a facility at 156 Irene St Mooroobool.

According to property records Silver Lining Foundation purchased the former offices of Farrellys Lawyers in November 2024 for $1.5m.

The acquisition adds to an increasing property portfolio of the organisation that includes a Brisbane CBD building, property in the South Burnett region, and Townsville.

The Silver Lining Foundation is a registered charity that helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island young people who have disengaged from school and are at risk of going into youth detention.

According to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Silver Lining posted income of $7.5m in the last reporting period.

The proposal follows approval for the Mastery Schools Australia campus at 23 Aplin St in 2023 which included a campus to cater for 170 students and 30 staff.

Silver Lining Foundation listed the school across the road in the “relevant approvals” section of the material change of use application.

Inside the Aplin St building. Picture: CoreLogic

“It is highlighted that the proposed educational establishment for 12 Aplin Street is significantly smaller in terms of capacity when compared to this recent approval,” the development application said.

CBRE agent Danny Betros who brokered the sale of the building said staff at the school were known as quality teachers and kids were collected and given breakfast after arriving on school grounds.

“I don’t think they are going to see a lot of kids running around the city,” he said.

Students will travel to and from school via vehicle organised by the school by school staff and will be taken from the campus in the same way at the end of the school day.

Silver Lining Foundation Australia has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Silver Lining Foundation makes pitch for new Cairns City campus