Children and families in and around the Neerim District of West Gippsland will soon be able to attend primary school closer to home, thanks to the Allan Labor Government's support for small rural and regional schools.
Minister for Education Ben Carroll today announced that Neerim District Rural Primary School (NDRPS), located between Nayook and Neerim Junction, will reopen in Term 1, 2025.
The announcement follows growing community interest in the future of the school and a Labor Government commitment to re-establish it if there is sufficient local enrolment demand.
The Government is now preparing to make Neerim District Rural Primary School operational again, with the process involving key steps such as advertising for and appointing a teaching principal, classroom teacher and business manager, and a new school council.
The Victorian School Building Authority will also inspect the school and carry out any maintenance or other works required to ensure the school's buildings and grounds are safe and ready to open for Term 1, 2025.
The Primary School opened in 1993 following a merger. It opened on the former Nayook Primary site which dates back to 1895.
Neerim District Rural Primary School has been non-operational since the end of 2019 but was never formally closed.
Ten students were enrolled in 2019 but transferred to other schools during the year, leaving NDRPS with no confirmed enrolments for 2020. In response, the School Council recommended NDRPS become non-operational at the end of 2019.
In late 2023, Government-led consultation with the Neerim community identified growing interest in reopening the school.
In March 2024, representatives from the Government met with the Neerim community to discuss the future of the school and the steps needed to reopen it.
Seventeen students have expressed interest to enrol in the school for 2025.
As stated by Minister for Education Ben Carroll
"Small schools play such an important role in our rural and regional communities. I'm thrilled Neerim District Rural Primary School will reopen in 2025, continuing its long history in the local community."
"This is a win for local families who are choosing public education."
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
"With Neerim District Rural Primary School reopening in 2025, young families from Neerim, Nayook and beyond will soon be able to attend primary school closer to home."
"The re-opening of this rural school is an example of how we are listening to local communities and are supporting the Neerim community."
