The State Government is investing $698,000 to replace air conditioning and roofs at Bellingen High School, and $147,000 for toilet upgrades at Macksville High School.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

Bellingen High will also receive upgrades to its trade rooms, including new machinery, through a $1.8 million commitment to Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) upgrades for woodwork and metalwork equipment at schools across the North and Mid North Coast.

Other local schools receiving TAS upgrades include Dorrigo High School, Coffs Harbour High School, Nambucca Heads High School and Orara High School.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car attended Bellingen High last Thursday to meet the school community.

“High-quality public schools are vital for coastal and regional communities, so young families know their children can have the best start in life and can do so in their local area,” she said.

“We have made a significant investment in school maintenance, because these works keep our schools in the high-quality standard our families and young people expect.

“Improvements to our schools’ Technological and Applied Studies facilities will also create options for young students to pursue pathways directly into apprenticeships and trades – creating more opportunities for our young people.”

Minister Car was accompanied on her visit to Bellingen by City of Coffs Harbour councillor Tony Judge.

“It is fantastic to see the Minns Labor Government investing in public school infrastructure across the Mid North Coast, particularly in the Coffs Harbour area,” Mr Judge said.

“Families and students in Coffs Harbour will know their schools are being maintained and kept up to the high quality they deserve because of the NSW Labor government, who value our public education assets.”

Not all were impressed with the Minister’s visit however, with Oxley MP Michael Kemp complaining that Mr Judge had been chosen to accompany Ms Car, rather than council representatives local to Bellingen Shire.

“It was disappointing that the Deputy Premier’s approach led to excluding Bellingen councillors in favour of her Labor mate from a council that’s outside the electorate,” Mr Kemp posted to social media.

“Imagine actually involving the Mayor and elected councillors from Bellingen Shire!

“Improvements to our schools and education system are always welcome, and this was a missed opportunity for our community representatives.

“Political intentions aside, it’s great to see money being invested into our electorate and local schools.”