Hundreds of students at public schools in Orange are learning in new and improved classrooms, following the first stage of a major upgrade to Canobolas High School and the complete rebuild of fire-damaged buildings at Glenroi Heights Public School.
Canobolas High School is undergoing a multi-million-dollar upgrade to support and broaden educational opportunities for students as part of the Minns Labor Government's High Potential and Gifted Education partner school program.
This first stage of work includes refurbishing eight classrooms to support woodwork and metalwork education and training programs, as well as improvements to music rooms. The next stage of work will involve upgrades to the library, food technology classrooms, and the school façade.
Canobolas High School is one of 33 NSW public schools receiving upgrades under the HPGE partner school program, which is designed to support increased enrolments and facilitate tailored gifted education offerings through the Inspire program.
The Inspire program offerings at the school include debating, STEM and coding clubs, musicals, visual arts and drama showcases, creative writing groups, sports squads, house competitions, performance-based groups, as well as student leadership and wellbeing programs.
At nearby Glenroi Heights Public School, students and staff have moved into their new permanent, purpose-built library and administration building, following fire damage to parts of the school in late-2022. A third Central West public school, Trundle Central School, has received a science lab upgrade.
The Minns Labor Government will invest $2.3 billion in regional NSW school infrastructure over the next four years as part of the 2026-27 NSW Budget. This will deliver new and upgraded schools to ensure every family has access to a world class public education, close to home.
In addition to ensuring students have modern schools and classrooms, the Minns Labor Government is working to improve educational outcomes, including transitioning more than 25,000 teachers and school support staff from uncertain temporary contracts to permanent employment.
The transition of teachers and support staff follows the Minns Labor Government's move to abolish the Nationals and Liberals wages cap, making NSW teachers amongst the best paid in the country.
This reform is attracting more teachers into the classroom and is helping retain those already there, leading to teacher vacancies falling to a 12-year low and the number of merged and cancelled classes in NSW halving since the election of the Minns Labor Government.
We know there is more to do, but the steady academic progress and strengthened workforce in NSW shows the Minns Labor Government's plan to rebuild public education and boost student educational outcomes after a decade of neglect under the Nationals and Liberals is working.
Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
"The delivery of these much-needed upgrades ensures young people in the Central West have access to world-class educational opportunities and quality facilities close to home.
"Students at Canobalas High School now have access to state-of-the-art specialist classrooms to explore high potential education pathways, supporting them to achieve their full potential.
"The Glenroi Heights Public School community is beginning an exciting new chapter with their wonderful new library and admin buildings now complete."
Member for Orange Phil Donato said:
"Orange is a community that values education, and I'm pleased to see these upgrades delivered to our school communities.
"This is a great outcome that will support student development, and I'll continue pushing to make sure our schools get the investment they deserve."
Canobolas High School Principal Charles Gauci said:
"These upgrades have genuinely transformed what we're able to offer our students.
"Our Industrial Technology and VET students now have industry-standard workshops to develop skills that are transferable to a multitude of industries. While our musicians have beautifully equipped practice and performance spaces where their creativity with thrive.
"These spaces provide our high potential and gifted learners an environment that matches their ambition.
"Canobolas High School has always punched above its weight - now our facilities reflect that."
Glenroi Heights Public School Relieving Principal Dave Prior said:
"Our community has shown enormous patience and resilience since the 2022 fire, and it means a great deal to finally welcome students and staff into these permanent, purpose-built facilities.
"We have created spaces that will better serve our students, staff, and families for years to come.
"These new facilities provide modern environments for our students, staff and wider community, and mark an important milestone in our school's recovery and future growth."
