Students and families from the Northern Rivers have welcomed the beginning of flood rebuild works at Tumbulgum Public School and Condong Public School, with children from both schools set to return to permanent classrooms later this year.
Condong Public School and Tumbulgum Public School were damaged beyond repair in the 2022 floods, with students attending school in temporary facilities over the past three years. The new schools have been planned with flood-resilient designs, with buildings elevated above the previous flood height.
The projects will deliver new classrooms, a new library, canteen, administration spaces and external landscaping.
Both school rebuilds are expected to be completed and ready for students and teachers to move in later this year, weather permitting.
Condong Public School are preserving items significant to the local community, including the Great War Honour Roll, painted murals, and plaques.
At Tumbulgum Public School, the old school bell will undergo restoration, and historical building materials will be re-used as part of the project.
NSW Minister for Disaster Recovery, Janelle Saffin marked the beginning of works on Friday, turning the first sods at both sites.
“This is a moment of renewal and optimism for these school communities on the Tweed, as we celebrate the start of construction for the rebuilds of Tumbulgum and Condong public schools,” said Ms Saffin.
“The new schools will ensure that students have access to a safe, modern, and inspiring place in which to learn.
“Students, teachers and support staff, parents and caregivers, can look forward to their new schools coming to life and to the many academic, artistic and sporting achievements that will unfold.”
Condong Public School Relieving Principal, Debbie Francis said staff and students were excited to see the groundwork and structure of the new school coming together and bringing them “closer to a fresh start”.
“After enduring the challenges of the past few years, we are looking forward to a renewed sense of stability and progress,” said Ms Francis.
“We look forward to watching our new school rise from the ground, and even more so to the day we can welcome our students back to a place they can truly call their own.”
Tumbulgum Public School Principal, Genevieve Esgate said the start of construction marked a significant milestone in the school’s journey to rebuild and restore a vital part of the community.
“The resilience shown by our students, staff, and families throughout this process has been remarkable, and I am so proud of how we have supported each other,” she said.
“With each step forward, we move closer to returning to a school that reflects the strength, spirit, and future of Tumbulgum.”
