Willyama meeting ‘positive’

Published on 07 April 2025

Mayor Tom Kennedy says he has increased confidence around the proposed new Willyama High School facility after a meeting with NSW Department of Education on Friday.

Deputy Mayor Jim Hickey joined the Mayor to speak with NSW Department of Education Murat Dizdar and other senior Education figures to advocate for the community around the design of the new school.

Mayor Kennedy said the meeting was an opportunity for all parties to share facts, ideas, and feedback over the major project.

"I think it was a really positive meeting - they were keen to provide facts and dispel any misinformation, and we were obviously there to pass on community concerns and advocate for the best possible outcome for Broken Hill," said Mr Kennedy.

"A real key piece of information for the community is that the school will not be 'very small', it's going to be a 3-storey facility built for 730 students with the capacity to expand to 1000 if need be, which was very reassuring.

"We stressed the importance of science and industrial arts to the future of our community, and they confirmed that there will be separate woodwork and metalwork facilities, and that they were looking into expanding the fit-out of several science rooms to complement the two planned high-end science labs."

Mayor Kennedy urged locals to remain passionate about the project, with the design not expected to be finalised until mid 2025.

"I'd encourage everyone to keep providing feedback as the design is not final, and the Department certainly does seem to be taking ideas from local education staff and families on board," he said.

"If they continue to consult with locals and follow through with their plans I think this can be a great facility that will inspire growth and confidence in the future of Broken Hill and the outback. "

Other takeaways from the meeting include:

• Demolition of the old Willyama building should begin in the coming weeks, with the demolition contract recently awarded.

• New school hall will be larger than the previous hall, and will be able to accommodate a full size basketball court.

• Cricket nets will be replaced and a new multi-sports court will be built.

• The school will be fully air conditioned, including the hall.

• A four-classroom hub for support classes will be built to meet the needs of students of all abilities.

• Covered walkways, shade structures, and double glazing of glass will be sued to reduce impact of sun and heat.