Walgett loses primary school and preschool in devastating fire

The Walgett Community College Primary School hall and Birraleegal Goondi Preschool were heavily impacted by a fire which broke out at approximately 11pm on Monday night, leaving the northern New South Wales town reeling. 

 

Police are investigating the cause of the fire, which occurred on Warrena Street, Walgett.

 

Fire and Rescue NSW was able to put out the fires, but not before the buildings were destroyed, leaving the school without library resources, gymnastics mats, sports equipment and two commercial grade ride on mowers.

 

Sadly, the preschool was decimated, and is no longer operational. 

 

“The public school and preschool are currently closed and NSW Police are investigating,” a media statement from Stephen Lawrence MLC noted. 

 

“We extend our thanks to firefighters from NSW Fire and Rescue and NSW Police who arrived at the school late last night and remained on the scene through to the morning. I am grateful nobody was hurt.”

 

“NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car has spoken with Executive Principal Alison Finlayson and local MP Roy Butler, and can say the Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding after the damage,” he added.

 

Minister Moriarty has asked the Department of Regional NSW to work closely with the Department of Education and all other services to assist where needed.

 

Access local coverage of this story here.