Students and staff at Nirimba Fields Public School are moving out of demountable classrooms and into their brand-new permanent school after the Minns Labor Government delivered the much-needed new facilities two months ahead of schedule.
This new school is one of 230 new and upgraded schools and preschools being delivered across NSW, giving our kids access to the best quality education through the Minns Labor Government’s record $9 billion school building program.
The new Nirimba Fields Public School can accommodate 1,000 students and includes 44 permanent classrooms, three support learning classrooms, a multipurpose hall, library, canteen, staff and administration facilities, and accessibility features including ramps and lifts.
Students have been learning in purpose-built temporary facilities since Day 1, Term 1, 2024 following the Government fast-tracking new schools in Sydney’s growing north-west while permanent facilities were delivered.
The removal of all 32 demountables used for the temporary school will be complete by the middle of the year with the old temporary school site set to be turned into a new public preschool that will accommodate up to 120 children per week.
Sydney’s North West was identified in the NSW Government’s Enrolment Growth Audit as having the fastest student population growth in the state, with local communities growing rapidly while essential school infrastructure failed to keep pace.
Despite this need, the former Liberal Government failed to build this school, leaving behind less schools than when they were first elected – reflecting their approach across Western Sydney, approving new housing without building much needed new schools.
The Minns Labor Government is addressing this and building for the future. In North West Sydney alone, the delivery of new and upgraded schools is adding capacity for an additional 15,000 public school students, replacing more than 160 demountables with more than 700 permanent classrooms.
Major projects recently delivered or on the way in Sydney’s North West include:
- New Tallawong Public School (delivered)
- New Melonba Public School (delivered) and public preschool
- New Melonba High School (delivered)
- New Tallawong High School
- New Jordan Springs High School
- New public primary school and public preschool in Grantham Farm
- New Gables Public School and public preschool
- New Box Hill Public School and public preschool
- New Box Hill High School
- Schofields Public School – upgrade (delivered)
- Riverbank Public School – upgrade (delivered)
- The Ponds High School – upgrade
- Rouse Hill High School – upgrade
- Excelsior Public School – upgrade
The Minns Labor Government has also delivered the biggest pay rise in a generation to attract the best teachers and keep them in the classroom, resulting in teacher vacancies falling to the lowest level in 12 years, halving the number of merged and cancelled classes since being elected.
This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to deliver better schools and more teachers to give our kids the world class education they deserve, right where they live.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
“Schools for growing communities across Western Sydney like right here in Nirimba Fields aren’t a nice to have, they’re a must have.
“When new housing is built, families need access to new schools, hospitals and local infrastructure – under the former government, this didn’t happen but we are working every day to change that.
“We’re not just building brand new and upgraded schools and preschools to make life easier and cheaper for local families, we’re hiring more teachers to give our kids the best education.”
Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:
“This is exactly what we promised families across north-west Sydney – access to quality public education right where they live.
“Under the Liberals, local families in North West Sydney saw their communities expand without the essential infrastructure needed to meet the growth.
“The Minns Labor Government is not only getting the job done, but we’re also getting it done ahead of schedule.
“At a time when many families are facing household budget pressures, having the option to access a fee-free, world-class public education has never been more important, and local parents can have the confidence knowing their children can attend high-quality local public school close to home.”
Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring students in Sydney’s high-growth suburbs have access to the world-class facilities they deserve.
“This is a proud moment for our community and proof that when we invest in public education, we invest in the future of every child.”
Nirimba Fields Public School Principal Renai Diamond said:
“It’s been an honour to be a part of our school’s journey from the very start – when we first opened in our temporary facilities in Term 1, 2024.
“While our temporary school provided a wonderful start for our students and staff, we are beyond excited to transition into our new permanent home and the opportunities that lie ahead.”