The Minns Labor Government committed to fully rebuild Willyama High School last year after a severe mould outbreak was discovered during the school holidays, and an independent hygienist determined the school could not be remediated without the risk of reoccurrence.
Early works to begin the demolition began this week, with full removal of the old school expected to be completed by October this year. This includes site establishment, disconnection of water and electrical services, the removal of hazardous materials, followed by demolition.
Demolition works, while essential for retaining play and open space at the school, will not impact the timeline of works on the new school. During the demolition process, work on finalising the school design will continue. Feedback from more than 100 face-to-face community information sessions is helping to shape the rebuild design to ensure the needs of the staff and students are met.
This includes the installation of air conditioning in all buildings, including the hall, as well as exploring opportunities for more staff spaces beyond the standard provision.
Catering for 730 students, the new Willyama High School will feature core facilities including a new hall and library, as well as 30 general and specialist classrooms (including four science classrooms), four support classrooms, two modern science labs, learning commons, multipurpose spaces.
A commercial kitchen will also be built to support VET courses as well as a new, fully equipped wood and metal workshop.
The draft master plan, which was shared with the community in March, has been designed to allow for future expansion, offering flexibility to meet the needs of potential future population growth.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding public education across NSW, and has invested a record $8.9 billion for new and upgraded schools across the state - including an historic $1.4 billion for schools in regional areas.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
"The start of the demolition process is a significant milestone for students, teachers and families from Willyama High School and the Broken Hill community.
"As Broken Hill farewells the old Willyama High School, I give them my word that we will rebuild a fantastic and modern school that this community will value for generations to come.
"We deeply appreciate the patience, resilience, and understanding shown by students, families, and staff through what has been a challenging time.
"I strongly believe we have the opportunity to deliver a new school that will inspire confidence in the future of Broken Hill and showcase the exceptional public education that your local area delivers."
Minister for Western New South Wales Tara Moriarty said:
"While this may be a bittersweet goodbye to a well-known community building, the families of Broken Hill can rest assured the Minns Labor Government is on track to rebuild the new Willyama High School.
"The new Willyama High School will deliver for the families of Broken Hill, who have shown great resilience during this difficult time."
Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:
"I am pleased to see the NSW Government making rapid progress on delivering this important school rebuild for our Broken Hill community.
"With ongoing community input informing decisions, the new Willyama High School will be a significant improvement on the old school. A modern facility that reflects the current and future needs of students and staff. I look forward to seeing construction begin."
