The NSW Government has announced an expansion of its Share Our Space program to unlock vital publicly-owned green space and sporting facilities for use outside school hours.
More than 20 new public primary and high schools in some of the state’s fastest-growing areas are set to open over the next two years, and will be automatically added to the program.
The move will mean families, particularly those in Western Sydney, can access sports courts, ovals and playgrounds on weekends and school holidays, said Premier, Chris Minns.
“Our school ovals and sports courts are too valuable to sit unused behind locked gates when there are no kids in the classroom,” said Mr Minns.
“We’ve already opened up these facilities to the community at nearly 250 schools across the state. Now, we’re making sure every new public school built in NSW does the same.
“This means more communities can access sporting facilities like those here at Edmondson Park High School, outside school hours and during the school holidays.”
Last year, the Government trialled an expansion of the Share Our Space program by providing access to facilities at 65 schools during the school term, including after hours, which delivered more than 27,500 additional hours of free community access.
All of those schools have now joined the program in an ongoing capacity, bringing the total number of schools now under the program to almost 250.
“Giving local families access to space and facilities in schools that would otherwise be locked up after school, over weekends and during school holidays, is something that just makes sense,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car.
“Growing communities need public schools and public spaces – and ensuring every new public school that we build can share its facilities is about building better, more connected local communities.”
Schools opening in 2027 that will automatically join the Share Our Space program include:
- Edmondson Park High School
- Jordan Springs High School
- Leppington High School
- Medowie High School
- Melrose Park High School
- Tallawong High School
- Gables Public School
- Macquarie Park Public School
- Gledswood Hills High School
- Wilton High School
- Wilton Ridge Public School
- Googong High School
- Bungendore High School
- Willyama High School
A full list of schools currently taking part in the Share Our Space program can be accessed here: https://www.schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/we-support-communities/share-our-space.html
