The Minns Labor Government is continuing to ensure fast-growing communities in Sydney's South-West have the infrastructure they need as new, permanent facilities at Gregory Hills Public School officially open this week.
The first sod was turned on this project by Premier Chris Minns, Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car, and Member for Camden, Sally Quinnell in May 2023. This week, more than 400 students from Kindergarten to Year Six began learning in the suburb's first permanent public school.
The multi-million-dollar Gregory Hills Public School includes 44 classrooms, four support classrooms, a new library, communal hall, as well as staff, sporting and recreational amenities.
Importantly, the new Gregory Hills Public School has the capacity to meet the area's future enrolment growth demands, with the capacity to cater to more than 1,000 students.
Prior to the completion of the permanent school, students were in a purpose-built temporary facility. To meet the growing community's need for a public high school in the short term, the temporary school site will now be repurposed to cater for students of the new Gledswood Hills High School from Day 1, Term 1 2025.
Planning and community consultation on the new, permanent, Gledswood Hills High School is currently underway, with results of local feedback to be made public over the coming months.
The delivery of the new Gregory Hills Public School comes after an Enrolment Growth Audit undertaken by the Minns Labor Government found the former Coalition Government neglected the needs of young families in booming communities, failing to adequately plan for and build the schools they required.
The Audit found Gregory Hills and Gledswood Hills recorded the seventh fastest student enrolment growth from 2018 to 2023, with a 145 per cent surge - or an increase from 805 to 1,969.
Committed to during the state election, the findings of the Audit are foundational to the Minns Labor Government's work to build high-quality schools in NSW's areas of greatest need.
Rebuilding the vital education infrastructure in communities of greatest need is a priority of the Minns Labor Government, with the 2024-25 state budget including a historic $3.6 billion investment to build and upgrade schools in Western Sydney.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"For years this site was just a vacant block of land, as promises of a new school were left unfulfilled by the former government.
"One of my first visits when I became Labor Leader was to meet with parents in the Gregory Hills community and hear from them about the absolute necessity of this school. I was proud to return last year to turn the sod on this project, and I'm thrilled to be back to see the doors finally open for this community.
"Southwest Sydney is one of the fastest growing parts of Australia, and it is essential that we build the infrastructure to keep up with that growth.
"Congratulations to the families, teachers and community members who advocated tirelessly to ensure the students of Gregory Hills now have a quality, permanent, place to learn."
Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
"The opening of the new Gregory Hills Public School is a wonderful moment for this community, who have fought hard to have their educational needs met.
"This is one of the most rapidly growing parts of the state, and it is so important the Government invests in delivering high-quality public schools, so young families here can grow and thrive.
"I cannot wait to see what is accomplished at the new Gregory Hills Public School."
Member for Camden Sally Quinnell said:
"Opening the new, permanent, public primary school for Gregory Hills is a fantastic day for our local community.
"The students of Gregory Hills and surrounds have waited so long to have their own public primary school, and I am so proud to be part of a Government that has delivered the essential public education infrastructure our community deserves.
"I want to thank everyone in the community who advocated for this school. Now that it has been delivered, the sky is the limit for our local students."
Principal of Gregory Hills Public School, Alison Rourke said:
"Staff, students, and parents have been eagerly anticipating the grand opening of the new school.
"Teachers are thrilled about the contemporary classrooms and resources that will enhance their teaching and inspire their students. Students can't wait to explore the new facilities and embark on their learning adventures.
"Parents are equally enthusiastic and confident that this new environment will provide their children with exceptional opportunities for growth and success."
