General News
27 August, 2024
Tarnagulla primary upgraded
In a massive boost for the local community, the Tarnagulla Primary School has officially unveiled its modernised main building after over $2 million in refurbishments.
The project, originally announced in the 2020/21 state budget, includes new kitchen facilities and office spaces as well as upgraded classrooms and building infrastructure.
Last Monday’s opening comes off the heels of announced funding from the Federal Government to provide over $250,000 for new playground equipment with improvements to safety and drainage.
According to Tarnagulla Primary School principal Leigh Mellberg, these facility upgrades are already making a difference for the students.
“In one sense they seem unimportant but from a practical level the difference that it’s made just to the day-to-day experience for students has been amazing,” he said.
“We have lived in a school where we had rattly old gas heaters which sort of worked and our very old water-based swampy air conditioners that were so loud it was difficult to conduct a class.
“Now the building has been finished, we are fully insulated and every room now has beautiful air conditioners so we can just walk around and the kids love it.”
Additional funding from the Accessible Buildings Program has allowed the school to incorporate inclusive facilities for students who have a disability as part of the upgrades.
Mr Mellberg said new decking, ramping and a disabled access toilet will allow current and future students to feel more welcome and engaged with their learning.
“The thing that gives me the greatest joy is to realise that we have a school here that’s now able to serve the community fully into the future,” he said.
“Our students and our families tell us that’s a really important aspect of education for them, any child needs to feel as though they belong in a school community.
“It means that we now have a school here that is able to provide that inclusivity for the community and we are looking forward to seeing where that takes us in terms of benefitting the young people of the area.”
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett echoed Mr Mellberg’s sentiments and said she is delighted to see the necessary improvements.
“Tarnagulla is a small school with a big heart. The 21 students and their incredible teachers and principal have been looking forward to the redevelopment being complete, and I am so pleased they now have the modern classrooms they deserve,” she said.
“These works have improved accessibility for all students and made learning an even more positive experience.”