School rebuild takes shape

CONSTRUCTION is ramping up at Lismore South Public School and Lismore South Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool, with the first building modules lifted into place at the Phyllis Street site.

The flood-resilient structures are being craned onto a specially engineered steel platform, designed to minimise disruption from future flood events while meeting the long-term needs of the school.

The first stage of the school will involve 47 separate crane lifts, with additional modules for the preschool and remaining classrooms to be installed in the coming months.

Principal Larissa Polak said the moment marked a significant step forward for the school community after the 2022 floods.

“It is a real turning point to see the first modules of our new school going up,” she said.

“Students, teachers, and local families are so excited to see this progress.”

“This new building represents stability and continuity of learning in the face of future challenges.”

“It will be a safe, modern school, built to give every child here the best possible learning environment.”

“We are so proud to be on this journey, especially after everything our community has faced, and we cannot wait to call this new school our home.”

 

The redevelopment will deliver 13 state-of-the-art classrooms, a library, multipurpose hall, administration facilities, and landscaped outdoor learning areas.

The co-located preschool will feature dedicated indoor and

outdoor spaces tailored to early learning.

The project is part of the state government’s broader effort to rebuild flood-affected schools across the Northern Rivers, supported by enhanced planning powers under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act.

Since 2022, 18 schools in the region have been repaired or rebuilt, including Tumbulgum Public School and Condong Public School, where students returned late last year.

Minister for recovery and member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the progress was a powerful sign of recovery for the community.

“Recovery looks different for every family in our community, but for the students of Lismore South it looks like a new school taking shape, module by module,” she said.

“Our community deserves a school that is built for the future. Seeing these modules lifted into place is a massive step forward in providing our students and teachers with the modern, purpose-built facilities they need and deserve.”

Construction is expected to be finished later this year.