Permanent, Flood-Resilient Schools Reopen in Northern Rivers Following Devastating 2022 Floods

Northern Rivers students have marked the beginning of a new chapter as they move into their newly rebuilt, flood-resilient schools at Wardell Public School and Empire Vale Public School, two years after both were extensively damaged in the catastrophic 2022 floods. The reopening of these schools symbolises recovery and resilience for the region, following one of the most challenging periods in its history.

The new Empire Vale Public School welcomed students back last week. The school now features three new classrooms, a new library, a canteen, as well as new landscaping, play equipment, and administration and staff facilities. Importantly, the school’s original building, which has served the community for nearly 150 years, was retained during the rebuild, preserving its historical significance while incorporating modern design.

Wardell Public School has also been transformed. The rebuilt school now boasts four new classrooms, a new canteen, library, front office, and updated administration and staff areas. The nearby Jumbunna Sugartown Preschool continues to operate, maintaining its integral link to the local community.

Mullumbimby High School

Flood-Resilient Designs to Prevent Future Damage

Both schools have been rebuilt with flood-resilient designs, intended to withstand future flood events. The new buildings are elevated on steel structures, protecting core facilities from floodwater. Resilient materials were used throughout the construction, and downstairs areas were specifically designed to be easily cleaned and restored if inundated by water. These measures are a key part of the strategy to ensure the schools remain safe and functional during potential future floods.

Additional Improvements Across the Region

On the Far North Coast, Mullumbimby High School also saw extensive flood repair work earlier this year. The school has undergone significant upgrades to its hall, library, food technology facilities, performance area, gym, and staff spaces. In addition, flood restorations were completed on the school’s sports fields, playgrounds, and courts, along with planned maintenance, including the replacement of seven roofs. The school’s flood resilience has been enhanced, ensuring better protection from future natural disasters.

Wardell Public School

Government’s Commitment to Rebuilding

These projects are part of the Minns Labor Government’s investment in rebuilding public education in NSW, particularly in communities hard-hit by natural disasters like those in the Northern Rivers. The government’s commitment to flood recovery is evident in its efforts to restore and enhance educational infrastructure in the region.

Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, expressed her satisfaction with the progress. “It is wonderful to see flood recovery works completed and students returning to permanent facilities at Wardell Public School and Empire Vale Public School,” she said. Car acknowledged the immense upheaval these school communities have experienced and was pleased that they now have state-of-the-art, flood-resilient buildings to support their daily learning.

Greg Warren, Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Early Learning, echoed these sentiments. “These are magnificent new facilities for staff and students to enjoy, and I look forward to seeing the benefits that these wonderful new schools will deliver for the local communities for generations to come,” Warren said, while attending the reopening celebrations.

Celebrating Strength and Community Spirit

Janelle Saffin, Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, highlighted the significance of the schools’ reopening for the communities. “I know the Empire Vale and Wardell communities have been looking forward to returning to their permanent schools after the devastation of the 2022 floods,” she said. Saffin praised the communities’ resilience during challenging times, noting that the completion of these projects marks a significant milestone in their recovery.

Empire Vale Public School

Principals Reflect on Rebuilding and Looking Forward

Both school principals expressed their excitement and gratitude as they welcomed students back to the new facilities.

Bonita Avery, Principal of Empire Vale Public School, said, “We are beyond excited to be returning to these wonderful new facilities at our much-loved school. Empire Vale Public School has always been the hub of our small community, and losing the school in the devastating floods of 2022 had a huge impact on us all. Our students have remained our highest priority, and I would like to thank staff and families for your support and patience during this process.”

She added, “I look forward to starting a new chapter with this community, and for Empire Vale Public School once again becoming the heart of our community, where learning, growth, and community connections thrive.”

Kim Wheatland, Principal of Wardell Public School, also celebrated the school’s resilience. “We are thrilled our new school has been built back stronger, with state-of-the-art features designed to withstand potential flooding. I want to acknowledge the resilience and flexibility of our teachers and students and thank our neighbours and the parent community for their incredible support throughout the rebuild,” Wheatland said.

“I look forward to working together as Wardell Public School enters this exciting new chapter,” she added.

With these flood-resilient schools now operational, the Northern Rivers community can move forward with renewed optimism, knowing that its educational infrastructure is prepared for the challenges of the future.

Rural Schools Invited to Apply for Fully Funded Sydney Royal Easter Show Excursion

By Robert Heyward

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Youth Group is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 All Roads to the Royal program. This initiative offers one rural school a unique, all-expenses-paid, three-day excursion to the Sydney Royal Easter Show—a remarkable opportunity for students to gain hands-on agricultural experience and insight into one of Australia’s most iconic events.

Launched in 2019, the All Roads to the Royal program is designed to enrich syllabus-based agricultural education by providing students with experiences that are difficult to replicate in remote classroom settings. Participants will enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Show, allowing them to engage directly with the agricultural industry and learn from experts in the field.

The program is open to students in years 7-12 and will run from Monday, 14th April to Thursday, 17th April 2025. The package includes return transport, accommodation, and meals for up to forty participants, including students, teachers, and guardians.

Sarah Stanbury, Chair of the RAS Youth Group, emphasised the educational and networking benefits that the program offers to rural and regional students.

“The All Roads to the Royal program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students to not only experience the Sydney Royal Easter Show but also to gain a deeper understanding of its significance to the agricultural industry and community,” Stanbury said.

“Students will have the chance to explore various career paths within the agricultural sector and connect with industry leaders who can provide valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of working in this field. The RAS Youth Group is proud to offer such a special experience to schools that may not have the resources to attend otherwise, and we hope that students return with a renewed passion and appreciation for agriculture.”

Heather Earney, an Agriculture and Science teacher at Trundle Central School in Central West NSW, which was the recipient of the 2024 All Roads to the Royal program, reflected on the program’s impact.

“The All Roads to the Royal experience was a highlight of the year for both our students and teachers. It broadened the students’ horizons and provided them with lasting memories and valuable networks,” Earney said.

“The students were grateful for the opportunity, gaining practical knowledge about the Show that they could apply at our local event. They also developed a greater appreciation for the agricultural industry and the effort involved in organising such a large-scale event.”

The All Roads to the Royal program was created by the RAS Youth Group to address the financial and accessibility barriers that prevent many rural students from attending the Sydney Royal Easter Show. For the 2025 program, the RAS Foundation will contribute up to $25,000 towards bus travel, food, and other expenses.

Schools interested in applying can find more information about the program criteria and application process on the RAS website. Applications must be submitted by close of business on Saturday, 18th November 2024.

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RRISK Program Returns to Equip Teens with Life-Saving Skills

Robert Heyward

High school students in Northern NSW will soon have the chance to gain crucial knowledge about safe driving, drugs, alcohol, peer influence, and partying as the Reduce Risk and Improve Student Knowledge (RRISK) webinars return this November. Registrations are now open for Year 11 students to participate in the webinars, which will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM on November 13, 14, and 15, 2024.

Kathryn Watson, Acting Director of Integrated Care and Allied Health at Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD), emphasised the importance of the program. “The purpose of these webinars is to help young people stay safe on our roads and at parties. They learn how to support their friends and make safer decisions,” said Ms. Watson.

In NSW, young drivers under the age of 26 represent 14% of all licence holders but account for nearly 25% of accidental road fatalities. RRISK, a locally developed program, has been addressing these alarming statistics for over 20 years. Research shows that RRISK has a significant impact, with a 13-year study revealing that participants are 24% less likely to experience a crash and 42% less likely to crash at night compared to non-participants.

To enhance the program’s effectiveness, participating schools receive lesson plan ideas to supplement the webinars. These include life-saving skills like placing someone in the recovery position, responding to drug and alcohol-related emergencies, and understanding the risks of vaping.

In addition to safety advocate Paul Dillon from Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia, the webinars will feature contributions from NRMA and Southern Cross University, offering students a well-rounded educational experience.

Last year, over 2100 students from 28 schools took part in the program, with around 80% of participants reporting increased confidence in their ability to stay safe while celebrating or driving. Follow-up surveys conducted five months after the webinars showed students engaging in significantly more protective behaviours, such as looking out for intoxicated friends and calling for medical help when necessary.

Schools can now register for the RRISK program by visiting here.

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