WA Labor’s $89 million Cool the Schools package represents a significant investment in improving learning environments across Western Australia. The program is focused on upgrading air-conditioning systems in public schools, particularly older facilities and those in regional and heat-exposed areas, to ensure classrooms remain safe, comfortable and functional during extreme temperatures.

The initiative includes the replacement of ageing or non-compliant systems with modern, energy-efficient reverse-cycle air-conditioning. In total, up to 45 metropolitan and regional public schools are expected to benefit, supporting student well being, staff comfort and more consistent learning conditions year-round.

Supporting School Upgrades with Clear Handover Documentation

While new systems are critical, long-term performance depends on how well they are operated and maintained after installation. That is where Dewick & Associates plays a key role.

Dewick & Associates has prepared Operating and Maintenance (O&M) Manuals for both Embleton Primary School and White Gum Valley Primary School as part of their recent mechanical services upgrades completed by Grosvenor Engineering. These manuals provide facilities teams and sub-contractors with a single, reliable source of information for understanding, operating and maintaining air-conditioning systems.

Services provided by D&A:

• Mechanical Services O&M Manual
  • Full technical authoring for mechanical services package of works
  • D&A format
• Provision of detailed Preventative Maintenance Log Sheets and Fault finding processes
• Provision of an Asset Register
• Compilation of subcontractor and supplier documentation including:
  • Technical literature
  • Equipment warranties
  • Compliance certificates
  • Test results and commissioning data
• A dedicated Client Coordinator to ensure current technical data was collated to enable detailed bespoke documentation to be provided

Each manual documents equipment details, commissioning data, maintenance schedules, safety requirements and supplier information. For schools, this clarity is essential. It supports safe operation, reduces the risk of unplanned downtime, and helps ensure systems continue to perform efficiently throughout their life cycle.

Why Builders and Engineering Companies Engage Dewick & Associates for Manuals

For government-funded projects, accurate and comprehensive documentation is essential for compliance, operational efficiency and long-term asset performance. Dewick & Associates provides specialist Operating and Maintenance (O&M) manuals  and additional construction documentation services that meet the exacting standards expected by government bodies, national regulations & standards, education bodies, and facility managers.

Engaging Dewick & Associates early in a project offers multiple benefits:

• Compliance Assurance: Our manuals ensure projects meet regulatory, safety and funding requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance at handover.
  
• Streamlined Handover: Clear, detailed documentation allows clients and facilities teams to take control of complex mechanical and electrical systems quickly and confidently.
  
• Time and Cost Savings: By providing all operating procedures, maintenance schedules and supplier contacts in a single reference, we reduce future troubleshooting, minimise downtime, and extend system life.
  
• Technical Expertise Across Sectors: With experience across federal & state, commercial and education projects, our team understands the practical realities of construction, HVAC, mechanical and electrical systems.
  
• Client Satisfaction: Well-prepared manuals build trust and support positive outcomes for both clients and contractors, strengthening reputations on government-funded projects.
  

For mechanical and electrical contractors, as well as builders delivering public infrastructure, partnering with Dewick & Associates ensures your work is supported by robust, professional documentation saving time, mitigating risk, and safeguarding the long-term success of the project.

Why O&M Manuals Matter for Education Facilities

In education environments, well-prepared O&M manuals are more than a compliance requirement. They enable facilities teams to:

• Maintain comfortable and safe learning spaces
• Plan preventative maintenance with confidence
• Reduce long-term maintenance costs
• Extend the life of critical building services
• Support staff continuity as personnel change over time
  

For government-funded programs like Cool the Schools, quality documentation also protects public investment by ensuring upgraded assets are managed correctly long after project completion.

Ongoing Performance Starts at Handover

As schools across WA continue to receive upgraded air-conditioning under the Cool the Schools package, the importance of accurate, practical handover documentation cannot be overstated. Dewick & Associates is proud to support education projects by delivering clear, consistent O&M manuals that help schools get the most from their upgraded infrastructure.

To learn more about maintaining air-conditioning systems for performance, safety and longevity, read our article.

Have an inquiry? Contact us.

Want to find out about other projects? Check out our project portfolio.

Learn more about Operation & Maintenance Manuals and building handover documentation.

References & Sources

Image source- Use allowed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license. Image details can be found here.

Grosvenor Engineering Group – We are a trusted building services partner to leading property portfolios across ANZ. We are passionate about delivering outcomes and long-term value for building owners, managers and their occupants. https://www.gegroup.com.au/ 

Embleton Primary School is a public primary school in Embleton, Western Australia, catering to students from Kindergarten through Year 6. The school has a community-focused environment and emphasises both academic achievement and social development for its students. It is located at 51 Priestly Street in the Perth metropolitan area and has a current enrolment of around 200 students. https://www.embletonps.wa.edu.au

White Gum Valley Primary School is an independent public school located in White Gum Valley, Western Australia, near Fremantle. The school educates students from Kindergarten to Year 6 and is known for its supportive community environment and strong local engagement. https://whitegumvalleyps.wa.edu.au/

WA Government media release – education infrastructure investment including air-conditioning upgrades:
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook%20Labor%20Government/Record-education-investment-to-help-WA-students-thrive-at-school-20250619 (Western Australian Government)

WA State Budget school infrastructure overview (includes Cool the Schools funding):
https://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au/2025-26/education.html (Our State Budget)

PerthNow news article listing schools receiving upgraded air-conditioning (including Embleton & White Gum Valley):
https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/education/older-schools-across-wa-to-get-upgraded-air-conditioning-under-third-term-labor-government-c-17612661 (PerthNow)