Two Northern Rivers schools rebuilt following the devastating 2022 floods have been officially opened, marking a major milestone in the communities’ recovery.
Condong Public School and Tumbulgum Public School have been rebuilt with flood resilience in mind, with buildings elevated about three metres above ground level to reduce the risk posed by future flooding.
NSW Minister for Recovery and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin joined students, staff and community members for the official opening celebrations on Wednesday.
Students and teachers had already moved into the new facilities.
Both projects have delivered new classrooms, libraries, canteens and administration spaces, along with upgraded outdoor areas and landscaping.
Heritage features from the former schools have also been incorporated into the rebuilt facilities.
At Condong Public School, the Great War Honour Roll, painted murals and commemorative plaques have been retained, while Tumbulgum Public School’s historic school bell has been preserved.
Consultation with the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group was undertaken to help connect the schools to Country and reflect the Aboriginal cultural heritage of the Bundjalung people.
Acting NSW Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the rebuilt schools would provide greater protection against future natural disasters.
“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of building schools in the Northern Rivers back better, and the new, flood-resilient public schools at Condong and Tumbulgum will better serve local students and families for decades to come,” said Car.
“These new, elevated school buildings will not only provide students and staff a safer and more resilient place to learn but also stand as lasting symbols of resilience.”
Saffin said village schools played an important role in their communities.
“Delighted to be here today at the school’s unveiling of the plaques. This means a lot to the school, and broader community.
“We love our local schools in our village areas, they really are the heart and soul.”
Condong Public School principal Katherine Kolarik said students and staff had settled into their new surroundings.
“Our new school has brought a fresh vitality and energy into our day-to-day lives, and we are happy to call this new school our home,” said Kolarik.
“Students and staff have settled in beautifully, which means our dedicated teachers can focus on what matters most: teaching and guiding our students.
“I am proud of the strength and resilience of this community, and so grateful for all the hard work that has gone into building our new school.”
Tumbulgum Public School principal Genevieve Esgate said the rebuilt school provided greater stability for students, staff and families.
“It means so much to our students, teachers, and local families to have a school that has been built to stand strong against whatever challenges the future might bring,” said Esgate.
“This school gives us a sense of stability, and we are excited to be in this new chapter.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way, and we look forward to seeing our students continue to learn, grow and thrive in their new school.”
Eighteen flood-damaged schools have been rebuilt or repaired across the Northern Rivers since the 2022 floods.
Work is continuing on the rebuild of Lismore South Public School and Rivers Secondary College’s Richmond River High Campus.
Funding to rebuild nine extensively damaged schools, including Condong and Tumbulgum public schools, has come through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth governments under disaster recovery arrangements.
The NSW Government has committed $2.3 billion over four years towards regional school infrastructure.
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