WE DID IT! BROADWATER PUBLIC SCHOOL IS COMING HOME

A concerted effort by the Broadwater Public P & C Association, the local community and Nationals MP for Clarence Richie Williamson has led to the green light being given by the NSW Government to grant building approval and bypass a lengthy development application for the reconstruction of flood impacted Broadwater Public School.

“This matter has been front and centre for me and the school community, and I’d like to acknowledge the work of the NSW Reconstruction Authority who stepped in to make it happen,” Mr Williamson said.

“The outcome is a real a win for students, parents and teachers who have been without their school for over two years and are keen to return home.

“The decision also builds confidence that together as a community we will rebuild stronger from the floods. It’s another step in the right direction for recovery.

“I have always said I want to see students and teachers back in their school on day one, term one next year, and I am thrilled we are now on the path to realise that.

“The Broadwater Parents and Citizens Association has left no stone unturned and has been fighting day in day out to get to this point.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to work side by side with them, and I congratulate them on their steadfast commitment and dedication to the rebuild project, the school and the local community.”

P&C President Emma Crethar said the school community is relieved to hear the development application with Richmond Valley Council has formally been withdrawn.

“We are elated by the news the NSW Reconstruction Authority has approved the rebuild of the school at its existing location,” Mrs Crethar said.

“We would particularly like to thank Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson for his hard work. He acted immediately following our initial contact back in January and has been dedicated to our cause since.

“He has been instrumental in the coordination of the key parties to the development application and in getting the best possible outcome for our school. “Lastly, I would like to thank the Broadwater community who have supported us the entire way. We did it! We are coming home!”

Mr Williamson said the planned demolition of the school will begin soon and the new school, with improved flood resilience, will be completed in time for classes next year.

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Greater Bank Opens Up Financial Literacy Program Across North Coast Classrooms

The Greater Bank Finance Academy

The Greater Bank Finance Academy is excited to announce that teachers across the North Coast will be able to deliver the High School Financial Literacy Program in 2024. This free program empowers Year 9 and 10 students with crucial financial literacy skills by providing a full course curriculum for classroom delivery.

Program Overview

The curriculum covers essential topics such as budgeting, saving, planning for the future, and understanding financial products like credit cards and loans. It also addresses modern financial trends, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the financial world they will navigate.

Greater Bank Chief Distribution Officer, Emma Brokate, emphasised the program’s goal of inspiring students with vital money management skills. “Financial literacy isn’t just about managing money; it’s about encouraging individuals to make informed decisions that enhance their financial stability and wellbeing,” said Ms. Brokate. She highlighted that enabling teachers to deliver the full program ensures that more students can access essential money management skills directly within their educational environment.

Collaboration and Benefits

This initiative is a collaborative effort between Greater Bank and the University of Newcastle, blending academic insights with practical financial experience. Dean of the University of Newcastle Business School, Professor James Skinner, underscored the benefits of the partnership. “Our collaboration with Greater Bank is built on a shared commitment to education and community engagement,” Professor Skinner said. “We are proud to enhance financial literacy in our communities and offer our students practical experiences that prepare them for the future.”

The program benefits high school students by providing them with practical financial knowledge, while also offering university students valuable experience as ambassadors, ensuring they are job-ready upon entering the workforce.

Course Content

The short course consists of four core subjects and three electives, all aligned with the NSW High School Curriculum.

The downloadable lesson plans, activities, and presentation slides provided to teachers include:

• Lesson 1 – Introduction to Financial Literacy
• Lesson 2 – The Fundamentals of Financial Literacy
• Lesson 3 – Savings and Budgeting
• Lesson 4 – Credit and Debit Banking

Additionally, three optional electives are available to tailor the program to the school’s needs:

• Elective 1 – Investing
• Elective 2 – Cybercrime and Scams
• Elective 3 – Employment

Participation and Accessibility

Schools interested in participating in the Greater Bank Finance Academy can visit www.greater.com.au/uon to get in touch. The program is designed to be inclusive and accessible, ensuring that students from various backgrounds and regions can benefit.

This initiative reflects Greater Bank’s commitment to rolling out an Australian-curriculum-aligned program across all of NSW, highlighting the significant benefits of enhancing financial literacy among young Australians.

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Enhanced Planning Powers to Expedite Broadwater Students’ Return to Local School

In a landmark move, the NSW Government will leverage its enhanced planning powers under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act to expedite the return of students to Broadwater Public School by the first term of 2025, following years of delays and community disruption.

Broadwater Public School sustained extensive damage in the devastating 2022 Northern Rivers floods, rendering most of its buildings uninhabitable. Consequently, local students have been forced to attend schools outside the area.

With support from the NSW Department of Education, Richmond Valley Council, the school community, and the CEO of the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA), the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has authorised the school’s redevelopment using the RA’s enhanced planning powers.

The new facilities at Broadwater Public School will feature three modern flexible classrooms, a new library, canteen, administration area, large undercroft play space, amenities, a yarning circle, and landscaping to harmonise with the school’s environment.

The school will incorporate modular buildings elevated 3.7 meters above the ground, supported by a flood-resilient steel structure. Utilising Modern Methods of Construction, classroom modules have been prefabricated offsite and will be transported and craned into place, significantly reducing construction time.

An information session in Term 3 will provide the Broadwater Public School community with more details about the construction program and next steps.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, said:

“Rebuilding Broadwater Public School swiftly is a priority for the Minns Labor Government, allowing students and teachers to return to their permanent school environment. This decision by the Planning Minister will ensure rapid progress in rebuilding Broadwater’s school. Public schools are vital to community wellbeing, and I appreciate the unwavering support for getting Broadwater Public School back on track.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, stated:

“This is the first use of this planning power, marking a significant step in our Government’s disaster recovery efforts. The NSW Reconstruction Authority Act allows us to fast-track recovery and reconstruction projects, supporting communities more effectively. Our commitment is to get communities like Broadwater back on their feet, and we will use all available powers to achieve this.”

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, commented:

“This initiative exemplifies government collaboration with flood-affected communities to find practical solutions. Schools are central to any community, and it’s crucial to get Broadwater Public School’s students and teachers back in the classroom promptly.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Janelle Saffin, added:

“The Broadwater community has voiced their need for their school, and we have listened. The Northern Rivers Community Leaders Forum was established to guide local decision-making and engagement, leading to successful outcomes like today’s.”

Acting CEO of the Reconstruction Authority, Mal Lanyon, said:

“Supporting projects that enhance flood recovery efforts and community resilience is essential. Recommending a Ministerial authorisation under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act to rebuild Broadwater Public School underscores our commitment to recovery and community safety.”

Relieving Broadwater Public School Principal, Bronwyn Cole, expressed:

“This news is incredibly welcome for our school and community, and we are deeply grateful for the ongoing support. Since the floods, our community has shown remarkable unity and resilience. We look forward to rebuilding our school, providing a nurturing environment for our students to learn and thrive. This journey is about rebuilding and strengthening our school community, fostering a safe, supportive space for learning and growth.”

Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson MP, remarked:

“The Broadwater Public School P&C Association has been relentless in their efforts, working tirelessly to reach this milestone. It has been an honour to work alongside them, and I commend their dedication to the rebuild project, the school, and the local community.”

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