Three North Coast Catholic schools to move after catastrophic 2022 floods

Three flood cruelled Northern Rivers Catholic schools are on the move while questions hang over the future of Lismore’s public schools in the continued fallout from the disaster. See the latest.

Flood clean up effort Trinity Catholic College, Lismore.

The Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools is set to relocate three North Coast campuses – including one of the regional city’s largest – in the wake of last year’s catastrophic floods.

Trinity Catholic College Lismore principal Jesse Smith said the move would ensure “high quality Catholic education” at Trinity’s new Southern Cross University campus.

It follows the Lismore Diocesan School Review Commission (DSRC) handing down recommendations in a report on the “ongoing viability” of schools in flood-smashed areas.

A cow floats among lawnmowers at Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School in South Lismore during the floods on February 28, 2022.

Trinity, St Joseph’s Primary School in Woodburn and Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School in South Lismore are due to be moved off the flood plain.

The diocese declined to answer questions about which sites they were looking to move the schools to, what time frame they are working toward or how many children would be affected.

Seven other Catholic schools in the Northern Rivers will remain on their current sites.

“A strong sense of community, an indomitable spirit and new facilities have ensured that the Trinity family has and will continue to move forward with confidence,” Mr Smith said.

Trinity Catholic College Lismore principal Jesse Smith has welcomed the move, but acknowledged there will be challenges. Picture Anthony Moulay

“The past 14 months have proven that the spirit of the college lies in its people, not just its buildings, and this spirit will help illuminate our path to the future.”

Trinity, one of if not the biggest school in Lismore, boasted almost 1000 students before the floods, but has since lost dozens from its roll.

“In light of the DSRC’s recommendation, the college council of Trinity Catholic College Lismore, in concert with the diocese, will continue to plan for the college’s future,” Mr Smith said.

Trinity Catholic College in Lismore.

The principal acknowledged the significance of this decision “not just for its current community members, but for all former students, staff and friends of the college”.

Commission spokesman Joe Pereira assured that no schools would be closed altogether, and that teachers and other staff would “retain security of employment”.

He said the communities of the three schools to relocate would be “fully consulted” about potential future sites to call home.

Water flows along Brunswick St in Lismore, which goes past Trinity Catholic College.

“These decisions will for many generate grief and a very real sense of loss,” he said.

“Future planning will continue for the three displaced schools as well as the other seven flood affected schools that will remain on their existing sites.

Meanwhile, Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said she is pressing for answers on the fate of Lismore’s public schools.

“This flood event, akin to an inland tsunami and the costliest in Australia’s history, has caused education leaders to make some very practical decisions,” she said.

“Last week I sought a briefing through the Minister of Education and yesterday I was told that I shall get that ASAP. I shall then inform the community. I had done this previously with the former government but got told little.”

Janelle Saffin MP for the seat of Lismore.

Ms Saffin said the students and families needed support, but it was slow in coming.

“Everything has been too slow and like the NRRC, each agency or department has been light-on or non-existent in terms of communication to the public, which is a key element of disaster recovery.

“This has been missing in the way Australia has historically responded to disasters and I am working always to change this. Bureaucracies do not change easily but change they will.

An Australian Army aircrewman from the School of Army Aviation and a young child are winched aboard an MRH-90 Taipan helicopter near Lismore during Operation Flood Assist 2022.

“In terms of rebuilding public schools, it is hoped that some of the culture and any artefacts saved can be incorporated into the design of the rebuilds.”