On Friday November 21, the official opening and blessing of Wingaru, the college's new home for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, PDHPE and six House areas, was held. 

The ceremony included a Welcome to Country and a video address from Senator the Hon. Malarndirri McCarthy, who unfortunately was stuck in Darwin due to Tropical cyclone Fina. New Principal Mark Tannock addressed the assembled crowd which was followed by a corroboree with our First Nations students. 

The Blessing of Wingaru, marking the official dedication of this new and exciting learning space, was conducted by Provincial Fr Quyen Vu SJ, Fr Tom Renshaw SJ and Fr Joe Dooley SJ. 

Wingaru is a Cammeraigal word meaning "to think." 

"It was a grace-filled moment for me to stand with Fr Tom Renshaw SJ, Rector of the College, and Fr Joe Dooley SJ, College Chaplain, as we blessed this beautiful new building on 21 November 2025. I also wish to pay heartfelt tribute to Dr Paul Hine, former Principal, and Mr Mark Tannock, current Principal, whose vision and leadership have brought this project to completion. Wingaru will serve the Riverview community as a dedicated centre for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and PDHPE. Its rooms honour the legacy of renowned Jesuit scientists whose curiosity and faith continue to inspire generations of students at St Ignatius' College. My sincere gratitude also goes to the many benefactors and donors whose generosity has helped make this wonderful learning facility a reality." Provincial Fr Quyen Vu SJ 

The opening of the new building is a significant step in the growth of the campus, from the humble beginnings of the original "Riverview" farmhouse to the mutli-faceted landscape we see today. 

Head of Philanthropy Ian Lawton wanted to call out the Old Ignatian Community for the part they played in the culmination of this amazing project. "The opening of the Wingaru Building marks a profound step forward for learning at Riverview, made possible through the extraordinary generosity of our donor community. Wingaru is now home to 6 houses, around 1500 classes a fortnight and the TAS/Maths/Science and PDHPE faculty areas. Another enormous advantage is the airconditioning. Before Wingaru, just 2 per cent of lessons at Riverview were delivered in air-conditioned classrooms; today, that figure has risen to 63 per cent. This is not simply a change in infrastructure, but a transformation in daily learning conditions for thousands of students each term. It is a powerful example of how philanthropy translates directly into better teaching, deeper engagement and greater student wellbeing." 

OIU President Brian Shanahan said the building speaks voulmes to the generosity of our community and that the success of the school and the wellbeing of the boys is at the centre of what the OIU does. "Thanks to the enduring generosity of Old Ignatians across generations, Wingaru stands as a bold new chapter in Riverview's story. It is not just a beautifully designed building, but an innovative learning environment shaped around the diverse needs of boys today and in the future. Wingaru will outlast us all, inspiring boys for decades to come and carrying forward the spirit of Jesuit education at Riverview."