The Minns Labor Government has made the largest single investment at Kiama High School in over a decade, officially unveiling upgraded science labs as part of our commitment to expanding opportunities for students at every NSW public school.
The refurbished laboratories boost the schools Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics programs, giving students access to modern, purpose-built facilities.
Since 2023 the Minns Government has invested close to $3 million on multiple much needed upgrades at Kiama High School, after more than a decade of neglect by the former Liberal-National government.
As well as these new science labs, these upgrades include new lifts and ramps as well as a brand new school hall stage lift to support students with disability.
The upgrades have been delivered as part of the Minns Government's plan to deliver better schools for NSW students, with the 2025-26 Budget delivering a record $9 billion for school infrastructure.
This follows the government's delivery of more teachers by reducing teacher vacancies by 61 per cent across the state, resulting in the number of cancelled classes recorded in NSW nearly halving since the Minns Government took office.
The former Liberal-National Government neglected schools along the South Coast for over a decade, leaving communities without much-needed schools and teachers that work in them.
Since coming to office in 2023, the Minns Labor Government has been working hard to rebuild school services across Kiama. We know there is still a lot more work to do, but in the past two years we have:
- A 96% reduction in teacher vacancies, with schools in the Kiama electorate beginning Term 3 2025 with just one permanent teacher vacancy, down from 27 at the same time in 2022 under the former Liberal-National government.
- Funded and planned a new primary school and public preschool in Calderwood, opening Day One, Term One 2028.
- Started construction of a major upgrade at Bomaderry High School, and awarded the contract for a new public preschool to be built at Bomaderry Public School.
- Delivered a new nature playround at Minnamurra Public School.
Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:
"I know Katelin will be a strong local voice inside the government if elected, making sure Kiama continues to benefit from the improvements being made to public education right across NSW.
"As the son of a public school teacher, I know our schools are the lifeblood of communities, and we want teachers and students to have access to world class facilities no matter where they learn.
"Thanks to these brand-new science labs, Kiama High School will be supporting the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators."
Acting Education Minister Courtney Houssos said:
"High-quality public schools are vital for coastal and regional communities, so young families know their children can have the best start in life and can get a world class education in their community.
"As a long-time local and former Kiama High School student Katelin understands just how important investments like these are to locals.
"We have made a significant investment in maintenance at schools including Kiama, because these works maintain our schools at a high-quality standard our families and young people expect."
Labor Candidate for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:
"I grew up in Kiama, attending Minnamurra Public and Kiama High Schools, and I understand the importance of making sure we equip local students for life beyond school.
"The Minns Labor Government has delivered for Kiama since forming government, but I know there is more work to do.
"I will make sure that we continue to deliver the critical infrastructure and services that our community needs and relies on."
Kiama High School Principal Catherine Glover said:
"We're creating opportunities for our students to explore, experiment, and gain a deeper understanding of the technologies that will shape their future.
"Education is the key to opportunity in life, and we are committed to partnering with our community to create a school where all students are challenged to excel in a nurturing and inclusive environment.
"With the right tools and experiences, they can adapt to any challenge and thrive in any career pathway they choose."
