Proposed closure of Bribbaree Public School sparks community outcry

In recent weeks, the usually quiet streets of Bribbaree, a small village in the Hilltops region, have been abuzz with concern following news the local public school, a cornerstone of the town for more than a century, may soon face recess.

And not the kind of recess associated with snacks and playtime. Under NSW Department of Education protocols, a public school can be placed in recess, merged or closed entirely when questions about its long-term viability arise due to declining enrolments and changing local demographics.

Now in its 105th year, Bribbaree Public School dubbed the “small school with a big heart”, has weathered decades of change in this somewhat isolated agricultural community, located 50 kilometres northwest of Young.

However, the school community was only informed of its potential hiatus just weeks before the end of the 2024 academic year.

Currently, the school serves only a handful of students, with enrolments steadily decreasing over the past decade. Bribbaree Public School had six students enrolled in 2024, including one who will graduate to high school in 2025. Eight students are enrolled in the 2025 academic year.

Department officials argue that consolidating resources into nearby schools will provide those students with broader educational opportunities, access to specialist teachers and modern facilities.

Long bus rides, extended school days and the potential alienation from their peers are among the concerns raised by parents. The increased financial burden on families to cover transport and other costs adds another layer of anxiety.

For residents, the proposal feels like a tipping point that could irreversibly alter the fabric of their community, and they’ve wasted no time in rallying against the closure.

At a recent well-attended public meeting with Department of Education officials, locals shared stories of the positive impact the school has had on their children.

No one knows that better than local farmer Greg Coltman whose children, now adults, were all educated at Bribbaree.

“I’ve been involved with the school for around 40 years and all my children have gone on to become professionals,” he said, “and in the past 20 years we’ve had three doctors who had their formative education at Bribbaree return to live and work in the area.”

For many, the prospect of sending their children to schools in nearby towns such as Quandialla or Young is unfeasible.

“This school is the backbone of our community,” said Bribbaree P&C spokesperson Jackie Granelli.

“If it closes, it’s not just the school we lose; it’s our identity. Our children will face long commutes to other towns, and we’ll lose the close-knit, supportive environment that only a small school like this can provide.”

The issue of Bribbaree Public School’s potential closure was raised by Shadow Education Minister Sarah Mitchell during a recent NSW Parliament Budget Estimates hearing who highlighted concerns about the late notice given to families.

“It has only been in very recent days and weeks that this was ever slated with those families. Why are people finding out so late that their children’s school might not be operating next year?

“Parents are wanting to know what will happen next year for their children,” she said.

Secretary of the NSW Department of Education Murat Dizdar responded, saying advice about anticipated enrolments were communicated in term three of the previous year, while actual enrolment numbers came in term one of the new school year.

“As you have dropping enrolments or no enrolments coming through, there will be a natural point where discussions about viability occur,” he said.

However, Ms Mitchell pointed out that in the case of Bribbaree, the process seemed unusually late.

“We are already in week eight of term four,” she said. “If you’re told midway through term four that your child’s school might not be open day one, term one next year, it’s not a lot of time for them to make decisions.

“We’ll make sure we speak to all the parents at the school and any prospective parents,” Mr Dizdar replied. “We won’t be rushing any process, and if it means we have to make a recommendation to keep operating, that’s what we’ll do.”

Ms Mitchell emphasised the importance of respecting rural parents, regardless of the size of the school, stating: “Even if there are only a handful of students, they deserve clarity and respect.”

The potential closure of Bribbaree Public School also raises questions about the state’s commitment to equitable access to education, according to Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, who attended the meeting at Bribbaree.

She argues that every child deserves quality schooling close to home, regardless of where they live.

Bribbaree Public School opened its doors in 1912, its historical significance a point of pride for the town – the neat weatherboard building, surrounded by gum trees and sprawling paddocks symbolic of Bribbaree’s enduring spirit.

The thought of it falling silent is almost unthinkable for residents.

“What becomes of the school grounds if it goes into recess,” asked Jacki Granelli. “I’ve seen other schools closed down and they fall into disrepair.

“And when I moved here from the Blue Mountains I bought a house based on the fact it was close to the school and its grounds,” she said.

The NSW Department of Education told Region no final decision had been made to place the school in recess.

“Bribbaree Public School will welcome its students back on day one, term one, 2025,” they said.

They further stated community consultation was underway and would continue in the first term of the 2025 academic year.

The department has also confirmed that in situations in which a school is placed into recess, the grounds and facilities are maintained so the school can quickly become operational again if prospective enrolments rise substantially.

For families whose children transition to other schools, the department added, support, including financial assistance for new NSW public school uniforms would be provided.