In February 2024, the NSW Government announced funding of $11 million to build a new Blakebrook Primary School. The reopening date was forecast to be Term 2 2025, and true to its word, the school will reopen to students and teachers tomorrow (Tuesday).

The damage caused by the February 28 2022, flood was significant at the 417 Rosehill Road site. Most of the structures were no longer habitable, which is why the NSW Department of Education proposed demolishing the existing buildings and constructing a new elevated school.

It will be an exciting and nervous time tomorrow morning for students and staff when they walk through the new Blakebrook Primary School front gates. Nervous because of the memories of 2022, and excited to return to the school that has provided education to locals since 1907.

The Blakebrook P&C Facebook page said, "The first day back, Tuesday 22 July, will be an exciting day for our students, families and staff. We want to make it a special day, whilst remembering there will be some nerves.

"To make it a special morning, alongside our P and C, the school has organised a light breakfast for students and families. This will include fresh fruit, a croissant and juice. Tea and coffee will be on offer for parents and caregivers. Parents and caregivers will then have an opportunity to walk through our school to see the wonderful new facilities. This will be occurring between 8:30am - 9:15am.

"Please note that this event is for parents and caregivers and current Blakebrook PS students only. Our wider school community will have the opportunity to visit during our official opening and 'Back to Blakebrook' celebrations."

Meanwhile, the bulldozer is at work demolishing the South Lismore Primary School (PS).

Nearly a year ago (4 August, 2024), the NSW Department of Education revealed the new plans for the new South Lismore PS. There was a sense of excitement about how the new school will look when it is complete. That is expected to be in 2027.

(An artist's impression of the new South Lismore Public School)