The Wollombi Save Our School (SOS) committee has grave concerns about the school’s future, which has been under threat for 12 months.

The committee will stage a ‘mock auction’ on Saturday, November 1 at 3pm to raise awareness of the school’s plight.

The Department of Education has been conducting a review of the five-student school since November 2013.

But the SOS committee feels the consultation process has not been fair and that their 162-year-old school will be sold.

So they have organised an auction of ideas – the most outrageous bid wins.

The committee has enlisted the talents of Bob Philippe and Alan Glover of Valley Artists, who will play auctioneers on the day.

While their tongues will be firmly planted in cheek, there is a serious side to the event.

“It will bring attention to the fact that the school may fall into in the hands of people who have no regard for its heritage and significance,” Mr. Philippe said.

Meanwhile, the NSW Upper House passed a motion last Wednesday that called upon education minister Adrian Piccoli or his department to release all documents that relate to the closure or otherwise of Wollombi Public School and Martins Creek Public School (near Dungog).

The documents must be released to the parliament within 14 calendar days.

Greens MP Dr. John Kaye, who drafted the motion with Christian Democrat Party MP Paul Green, said the motion provided a boost to these communities.

“Both communities have persistently advocated on behalf of their schools. Their struggle against the education minister and his department put this issue on the agenda of the other parties in the Upper House,” Dr. Kate said.

“The NSW Upper House has sent a clear message to the NSW government that they can’t unilaterally decide to close down schools without genuine consultation, sound justification and a transparent process.

“The Greens have serious concerns that in both the Wollombi and Martins Creek cases, a pre-determined outcome has marginalised community consultation and the needs of the students currently enrolled as well as future enrolments.

“We look forward to getting a clearer picture of the decision-making process.”

A Department of Education spokesperson said there has been extensive consultation with the Wollombi school community since last year – the most recent being last week.

“The consultation has canvassed a number of options for education in the valley in the future,” the spokesperson said.

“Submissions have been received and analysed by the consultative group, and are being considered.”