Flood Rebuild Starts at Tumbulgum, Condong Schools
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.
Minister for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin marked the beginning of works today, turning the first sods at both sites.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding public education in NSW so flood-impacted communities in the Northern Rivers are rebuilt with contemporary, flood-resilient facilities.
As part of this work, we have made a record $8.9 billion investment to build and upgrade schools across NSW, including investing a historic $1.4 billion for schools in regional NSW.
A portion of the funding for flood rebuild projects is also allocated through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering flood-resilient schools in the Northern Rivers, and we are pleased to be rebuilding Tumbulgum Public School and Condong Public School, after years of patience by the community.
“The students and their families have demonstrated strength and patience throughout this process, and I want to thank them for their continued dedication to their local public school.
“The new Condong Public School and Tumbulgum Public School will be world-class schools, setting local children up for future success.”
Minister for Recovery and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:
“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.
“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:
“Over the coming months, we are excited to see the groundwork and structure of our new school coming together and bringing us 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.
“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:
“We are excited to welcome the start of construction on our new school, marking a significant milestone in our journey to rebuild and restore a vital part of our 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.
“With each step forward, we move closer to returning to a school that reflects the strength, spirit, and future of Tumbulgum.”
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/works-begin-on-flood-rebuild-of-tumbulgum-and-condong-public-schools