Students at two small schools celebrate flood-resilient rebuilds

Expect to see smiling faces on the faces of students at two small schools as they learn and play in their rebuilt flood resilient designed schools.

Wardell Public School and Empire Vale Public School students are celebrating their rebuilt schools two and a half years after the flood disaster of 2002.

Empire Vale Public School welcomed students back to school with three new classrooms, a new library, canteen, new landscaping and trees, new play equipment, and new administration and staff facilities.

The rebuild of the 150 year old historic school kept the original school building with new buildings raised off the ground.

At Wardell Public School, the newly rebuilt school includes four new classrooms, a new library, a new canteen, a new front office, new administration and staff areas, with Jumbunna Sugartown Preschool continuing to operate next to the school.

Both schools were rebuilt using flood-resilient design to withstand future flood events.

The design includes raising core school facilities off the ground on a steel structure, using resilient materials throughout the new buildings and designing downstairs amenities that are easy to clean and restore when inundated with water.

Broadwater Public School is currently being rebuilt with an expected opening early next year.

State MP and Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said the Wardell and Empire Vale communities had shown “tremendous strength in difficult circumstances, and it is fantastic to see the schools now returned to permanent facilities.”

Empire Vale Public School principal Bonita Avery said everyone was excited to be returning to 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,” Ms Avery said.

“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.”

Wardell Public School principal Kim Wheatland said they were thrilled the school built back stronger, with new features designed to withstand potential flooding.

This information was provided by the NSW Government.