Three local schools are set to receive new and improved facilities as part of the New South Wales Government’s $120 million Regional Renewal Program:

• Kiama High’s main quad is to become a covered outdoor learning area, which can be also used for whole of school assemblies, as well as other shade structures
• Kiama Public is to get an upgrade of its sports field and nature playground
• Minnamurra Public is to get a upgrade and extension of its staff room.

The funding is part of the NSW Government’s economic stimulus response to the pandemic, and is designed to deliver educational, community and economic benefits.

The Regional Renewal Program will provide a Government co-contribution of between 50 to 80 per cent for school infrastructure improvements to high priority schools in regional New South Wales. The amounts to be awarded are yet to be announced, as they are still subject to tender.

“At the moment, we can’t get everyone together for a whole of school assembly, so this area will allow us to do it,” says Kiama High’s Principal, Catherine Glover.

“The PE staff are very happy as it will give them an all weather outdoor learning area.

“I want to put something in that beautifies the school grounds, in line with our other initiatives to make the school look more welcoming.

“If I can add lighting and sound, that would be fantastic.”

Ms Glover is keen to get the new facility built as soon as practicable.

“It will serve so many purposes, including providing a big sun smart area which is a priority for our P&C.”

Mr Ward says that the Regional Renewal Program is part of a $7 billion investment in school infrastructure across four years.

“We are proud that in addition to the Gonski reforms we are seeing more money invested in things that schools want.

“A partnership like this is a good example of where we have been able to bring something forward that might have been a few years off otherwise.”

Kiama High currently has 940 students to gather for an full assembly, in the first year that it has adhered to its enrolment policy that restricts its catchment to the LGA.

This has resulted in one less year seven class this year, and the total number has also been reduced by close to 90 seniors being attracted into apprenticeships. Prior to this the school was operating at its absolute capacity of 1060 students.