Lindy Williams experienced the heartache a school’s closure can cause first-hand when the NSW Government decided to close Wollombi Public School last year.
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The former Wollombi P&C president is running for the Greens for the seat of Cessnock in the state election this month and, along with Greens MLC and Education spokesperson John Kaye, has called for action to ensure to security of small public schools.
Ms. Williams said she doesn’t want to see small schools like Congewai face the same fate as Wollombi.
“The closure of Wollombi School affected me deeply and I am determined to ensure that further closures are not coming to our electorate,” Ms. Williams said.
“Small schools such as Congewai PS provide a focus for the community.
“Small schools bring people together whether it’s for the morning drop off and afternoon pickup or the local P&C meeting.
“Small schools also provide sporting facilities and meeting places and a whole range of student activities that allow the community to participate in their children’s education.”
Dr. Kaye said The Greens will continue to campaign for small public schools and the communities they so excellently serve.
“Small public schools are at the risk from a government that cares more about the balance sheet than students and rural communities,” he said.
“The loss of Wollombi Public School cannot be allowed to become a template for a cost cutting exercise that robs rural communities of the benefits of a local school.”
