The Minns Labor Government has returned four public schools to the Murwillumbah community, after the Liberals and Nationals failed public school mega-merger was rejected by locals, teachers and the school community at the 2023 State election.
The upcoming re-opening of Murwillumbah High School, Wollumbin High School, alongside Murwillumbah East Public School and Murwillumbah Public School, on Day 1, Term 1, 2025, will mark the delivery of an election commitment by the Minns Labor Government to halt the former Government’s failed mega-merger project, which began four years ago.
The return of these schools in time for the 2025 school year is in line with a commitment made following extensive community consultation, which included participation from more than 260 families, parents, students and staff.
Murwillumbah High School and Wollumbin High School, which the former Government announced they would close in 2020, have both undergone significant refurbishments under the Minns Labor Government.
At Murwillumbah High School, upgrade works have delivered more than 40 refurbished classrooms and specialist spaces, including three science labs, two wood workshops, two metal workshops, and a food tech kitchen, a new darkroom, as well as a new Student Support Unit, refurbished school library and hall, upgraded front office, staff, and administration spaces, and outdoor areas with new landscaping and play areas.
Further work will see the delivery of a new canteen and final landscaping works to the grounds throughout Terms 1 and 2.
Students at Wollumbin High School will also return on Day 1, Term 1 to a refurbished canteen, a re-fenced and repainted sports court, new football goal posts, refurbished student toilets, a new pottery kiln, and refreshed classrooms with new paint and carpet.
Planned upgrade works at Wollumbin High School in the coming months will include the relocation of existing music rooms to make way for a new specialist support unit with modern facilities.
At Murwillumbah East Public School, works are underway to upgrade the school’s ventilation and lighting. Further upgrades are planned for the school including for new classrooms, a new library, canteen, and facilities for specialist support classes.
At Murwillumbah Public School the Minns Labor Government has invested in school maintenance works, with the installation of a new roof on the heritage-listed building in Block D, covered walkway extensions, and refurbishment of student toilets all now complete. Work is also underway to deliver new air conditioning in all classrooms.
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Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin will today visit Murwillumbah High School to view the new facilities and meet with members of the school community ahead of the start of the 2025 school year.
NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
“It is a privilege to be back here in Murwillumbah, just days ahead of these important schools being returned, in line with our commitment to this community.
“We listened to Murwillumbah locals, who told us loud and clear that they did not support four schools being merged, and I am pleased our government has delivered on our commitment.
“I look forward to the local community being able to flourish as they turn a new leaf with world-class public education in their upgraded local schools.”
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:
“It is fantastic to see our four public schools returned to the Murwillumbah community.
“Returning our four public schools back to the community marks the completion of a key election commitment that I am proud the Minns Labor Government has delivered for our community.
“We have worked with the community to ensure our local schools were delivered the upgrades they needed, so all our students can thrive right here in the Northern Rivers.
Murwillumbah High School Principal Zoe Tiernan said:
“We are thrilled to begin this new chapter as a distinct school community.
“The upgrades to our facilities have created a vibrant and modern environment where students and staff can thrive.
“As we look forward to welcoming everyone back for the new school year, we are excited to foster a strong sense of identity, pride, and connection within our new school community.”
Wollumbin High School Principal Kelly Spilstead said:
“This will be a fresh era for Wollumbin High School, enabling it to build on its own reputation in the community and on its ties to the other schools in Murwillumbah.
“We have a feeling of renewal and are looking forward to re-engaging with our students for a productive and fulfilling year.”
Murwillumbah East Public School Relieving Principal Kate Buston said:
“A new school year is always an exciting time, and particularly this year because as well as welcoming new kindergarten students we will be adding to the collaboration we have worked on in recent years.
“Sharing our expertise across the primary sector and in support of transition to high school is a very rewarding part of running a school in a community like Murwillumbah.”
Murwillumbah Public School Principal Les Daley said:
“We are looking forward to a new school year, confident that we can build on the outstanding programs we have run in the last two years, receiving state and national recognition for their excellence.
“This will ensure that achieving the best possible outcomes for our students remains our highest priority.
“We have very supportive school communities, who have pride in their local school but also appreciate the benefits that come with close cooperation between the schools.”
Caption: NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car and State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin celebrate with school leaders and School Infrastructure NSW Project Coordinator Tom Ahern at Murwillumbah High School.
