New principals appointed as return to four separate Murwillumbah schools progresses

By Robert Heyward

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its election promise to return to four separate public schools for the Murwillumbah community after the Liberals’ and Nationals’ failed mega-merger was rejected by locals, teachers and the school community.

Work to return to two separate high schools, Wollumbin High School and Murwillumbah High School, is progressing well, with two new principals appointed to ensure the re-establishment of separate schools creates a positive student experience.

Wollumbin High School and Murwillumbah High School will resume operations separately from Day 1, Term 1 2025, in line with a commitment from the Minns Labor Government in 2023. The timeline and works to support the return to separate schools came after consultation with more than 260 students, staff, parents and carers.

Zoe Tiernan has taken up the position of principal at Murwillumbah High School, having previously been the Deputy Principal Instructional Leader across all three campuses of The Rivers Secondary College in Lismore.

Former Wollumbin Deputy Principal Kelly Spilstead is excited to be returning to the area as Wollumbin High School Principal after a stint as Relieving Principal at Mullumbimby High School.

School student leaders have been appointed and are ready to take up their roles leading house groups at the two schools – five at Wollumbin High School and four at Murwillumbah High School.

At Murwillumbah High School, works to fully restore the school are well underway, as the Department aims to refurbish classrooms and specialist learning classrooms ready for learning by Day 1, Term 1, 2025. Work is also underway on renovating the school hall, library, administration office and school support unit.

Upgrade work is also underway at Wollumbin High School. Upgrades will include improvements to the outdoor sports court, stormwater drainage, delivering new special learning support classrooms, renovations of toilet facilities, new painting, carpeting and general maintenance, a new bus shed and new sport facilities.

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

“I am delighted that new school principals Kelly Spilstead and Zoe Tiernan will lead the Wollumbin High and Murwillumbah High School communities as they become separate schools once again.

“We are committed to delivering certainty for the Murwillumbah community, after many difficult years following the bushfires and floods.

“I look forward to seeing the four schools in Murwillumbah take shape in the coming year.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“I listened to the community who were absolutely clear they wanted their four schools and I got that commitment from the Deputy Premier, who’s the Minister for Education.

“Every step towards the return to the four schools gives the school community certainty and confidence for their children’s education.

“There’s a big investment in public education in Murwillumbah with the upgrade works at Murwillumbah High School and Wollumbin High School, and I know the community is looking ahead to having its schools returned in 2025.”

Zoe Tiernan, Principal Murwillumbah High School said:

“I am incredibly excited to have been given this leadership role within Murwillumbah High School.

“I look forward to improving outcomes and inspiring all students through consultation, respect and collaboration.”

Kelly Spilstead, Principal Wollumbin High School, said:

“After some time relieving as principal of Mullumbimby High School, I’m excited to be returning to the area as we transition into two schools.

By honouring the past, staying grounded in the present, and working together to shape the future, I’m confident we will establish two high schools as the schools of choice within our community.”

NSW Government Allocates $1.8 Million to Support Recreational Fishers

The Minns Labor Government has announced $1.8 million in grants to enhance recreational fishing across New South Wales as part of the 2024/2025 Recreational Fishing Trust grants program. This funding will support 21 projects focused on improving access to fishing, particularly for individuals with disabilities.

Key projects funded to enhance accessibility include:

• $375,000 for repairs and upgrades to five fishing platforms in the Shoalhaven area
• $98,300 to improve access to a fishing platform and boat ramp in Hay
• $11,035 for a pedestrian bridge with disabled access in Davistown
• $26,210 for fish cleaning facilities near the jetty in Tumbulgum with disabled access
• $79,500 for multiple fish cleaning facilities in Port Macquarie/Hastings
• $10,000 to the Fishing4All program, introducing people with intellectual impairments to fishing

A total of 24 projects will benefit from the $1.8 million in funding, recommended by the Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council.

Funding allocation includes:

• $717,612 for fishing access and facilities
• $85,000 for recreational fishing enhancement
• $552,000 for recreational fishing education
• $444,000 for aquatic habitat protection and rehabilitation

The NSW Government will also launch a $2 million Recreational Fishing Small Infrastructure Grant Program on 6 November 2024, aimed at supporting grassroots projects through easier access to funding for fishing clubs, community groups, and other organisations.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, emphasised the importance of these investments, stating:

“Fishing licence fees are being put to work to enhance facilities, improve habitats, and open fishing opportunities for more people, including those with disabilities. These projects not only support recreational fishers but also contribute to regional tourism by generating jobs and income.”

Examples of additional projects include funding for Morisset High School to support students with disabilities in fishing and a fly-fishing day in the New England region for people who have experienced breast cancer.

The next funding round will include enhanced communication with fishers and clubs to ensure widespread awareness of grant opportunities.

NSW Government Cuts Red Tape for Cemeteries and Crematoriums

Robert Heyward

The NSW Government has introduced planning reforms to streamline minor works in cemeteries, effective immediately, by removing unnecessary red tape. These changes amend the Transport and Infrastructure State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), allowing cemetery operators and crematoria to bypass the need for a Development Application (DA) for low-impact activities such as constructing monuments, conducting demolition, or maintaining internal roads and sheds.

However, a DA will still be required for any development beyond the boundary of an existing cemetery or for projects that do not comply with the new regulations. The reforms do not include changes to burial plot numbers or operational hours.

The goal is to reduce the burden on cemetery operators, improve efficiency, and free up resources for local councils, thus speeding up the broader planning system. The NSW Government has emphasised that many areas of the state’s planning system have outdated rules and are not serving communities effectively. These reforms are part of a broader effort to modernize the planning system.

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

“Cemeteries are vital to our communities, and it’s essential they operate efficiently. These new pathways will save time on simple DAs, ensuring cemeteries can focus on their core role.”

Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper, added:

“The Minns Labor Government has been addressing the cemetery crisis from day one. These reforms are crucial for future planning, ensuring cemeteries remain accessible, respectful spaces for all communities.”

The Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure (DPHI) collaborated closely with Crown Lands and Cemeteries and Crematoria NSW to ensure these reforms are aligned with government efforts to create a more efficient and effective planning system.