Forbes Public School Reopens Post-2022 Flood Rebuild
Forbes Public School’s flood rebuild project, delivered by the Minns Labor Government, features 14 refurbished classrooms, library upgrades, an upgraded school canteen, 12 new air conditioning units and two new bubbler stations.
The school’s toilet facilities have also been upgraded with new water-saving toilets and taps, handbasins, and partitions.
The project also included updating 11 school buildings with new doors, fresh paint, new carpet and laminate flooring, and essential electrical infrastructure upgrades. These improvements involved repainting and refurbishment of the shade structure, resurfacing the main sports court, landscaping of outdoor play areas, and the installation of new seating.
Overall, 1,050 litres of fresh paint was applied across interior and exterior walls and surfaces, and 1,080 square metres of new flooring was installed.
25 demountable classrooms used temporarily to support the school during the works will begin to be removed next month, including those on the school oval, with works on track for completion by Term 3.
Once cleared, the oval will be topsoiled and turfed, returning outdoor space for students and the school community to enjoy.
The Minns Labor Government is investing a record $8.9 billion investment to build and upgrade schools across NSW, including a historic $1.4 billion for school infrastructure projects in regional NSW.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
“After the devastation of the 2022 floods, it is fantastic that we are now welcoming students and teachers back to permanent, upgraded facilities at Forbes Public School.
“The floods have been particularly impactful for our regional communities, and the Minns Labor Government has worked hard to restore these important schools.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to upgrading vital infrastructure like schools to communities in the Central West, so all young people and families have the high-quality facilities they need in their local area.”
Member for Orange Phil Donato said:
“I am pleased to see this important local school upgraded and returned to the Forbes community.
“This has been a difficult time for Forbes and the wider Central West community as we chart the long road to recovery from the 2022 floods.”
Duty MLC for Orange Stephen Lawrence said:
“The return of this school to the Forbes community will give local students, families and teachers a welcome boost as we continue the long recovery from the floods.
“I am proud to be part of the Minns Labor Government that is focused on returning vital infrastructure to local communities and rebuilding public education across the state.”
Megan Staples, Forbes Public School Principal said:
“The devastating floods of November 2022 had a significant impact on our school and the wider community, forcing us to relocate to temporary facilities.
“The time since has been an incredible testament to the dedication of our staff, the resilience of our students and the wonderful support from our wider school community.
“Thank you again for your patience, understanding and support.
“We cannot wait for students to resume their learning journeys today and embark on an exciting new chapter for Forbes Public School.”
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/upgraded-forbes-public-school-returned-to-community-after-destructive-2022-floods