School rebuild hits important milestone

CONCEPT designs for the new Richmond River High Campus reveal a sprawling, three-storey campus that the principal says reimagines what a school can be.

The multimillion-dollar rebuild project will replace school facilities damaged in the 2022 floods.

The campus on Dunoon Road in North Lismore will include classrooms, purpose-built support classrooms and specialist learning spaces, as well as a new library, a multipurpose hall, new performance spaces, agricultural, metal and construction technology spaces, food technology facilities and sports fields.

The classrooms and learning facilities will be above the probable maximum flood height.

Campus principal Luke Woodward said the release of the concept designs marked an exciting milestone for the school and community.

“We are not just rebuilding a school, we are reimagining from the ground up what our campus can be – a place that embodies the spirit and culture of our community,” Mr Woodward said.

“It will provide a breadth of curriculum, depth of cultural activities and a unique experience that is Richmond River High.

“This project gives us the opportunity to create an environment where our students can thrive and feel safe and secure, with facilities that are also reflective of our unique identity.”

Lismore MP and Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said students, staff, parents and primary schools were consulted about the new school’s design.

“It will be a flood-resilient campus for North and South Lismore and the 15 local primary schools in the catchment, on a campus that is green, rural and retains the character that has made Richmond River High Campus so important to young people in Lismore for generations,” she said.

“This rebuild not only addresses the immediate needs of our community, it will also ensure that we are prepared for whatever challenges the future may hold.”

Connecting with Country consultation will continue during the design process to incorporate local cultural heritage into the design and operations of the school. Once the designs are complete and planning is finalised, construction tenders will be issued.

It is estimated the campus will open in 2027.