Every week that ends, Lismore shows more positive signs of the flood recovery that puts the physical memories of the big February 28 flood further behind us.

This week marked the conclusion of major recovery works at Lismore Public School.

Lismore Public School Principal Samantha Rowsell said, “To have our wonderful school back means a lot to the whole school community, and it has been an honour to be involved in such an important job.

“I would like to thank the community for their patience, and I would like to thank all the people involved in delivering these new facilities during such trying times.”

Several other schools in the area are approaching the completion of repair work, after what was one of the worst disasters in Australia’s history.

This includes Lismore’s Wyrallah Road Public School and Crabbes Creek Public School, where remedation works will be completed at the end of August, and at Mullumbimby Public School, where the flood recovery project will conclude in September.

Progress is also underway elsewhere in the region for the construction of new schools at Wardell, Broadwater, Empire Vale and Blakebrook public schools.

At Lismore Public School, the project to remediate the whole school involved:

•      Renovations to the classroom block including new wall linings, cabinetry, windows and a contemporary fit out, which includes new carpet, pinboards, upgraded lighting, furniture, seating and desks

•      Re-establishment of the canteen

•      Remediation of the school hall and performance space with new and modern audio-visual equipment and an accessible stage area

•      New covered walkways, lining of outdoor learning spaces, new school-wide signage, internal painting and bathroom refurbishments in non-flood affected buildings

•      Newly lined COLA_

•      Decontaminated and returfed grounds and new soft fall surfaces on three play equipment zones

•      Flood mitigation storm water works

The new buildings have been designed to deliver modern methods of teaching, state-of-the-art technology and connection with the colours and character of the surrounding landscape.

Building heights have also been raised to minimise the impact of any future flooding.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car said, “Completing these flood recovery projects has been an absolute priority to the Minns Labor Government, so we can give the teachers and students in the Northern Rivers the certainty and security they need.

“The tragic 2022 floods took so much from communities in northern NSW, but I am happy to see remediation works completed at Lismore Public School this week.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, “Teachers and students across the Northern Rivers were hugely impacted by the floods, and completing the works at Lismore Public School is a major milestone.

“The 2022 floods will never be forgotten, but I am so pleased that teachers and students at Lismore Public School, and very soon at other local schools, will no longer be surrounded with reminders of that event.

“I’m especially proud that local builders and tradespeople were involved completing these important remediation works.