ROEBOURNE ELDER CALLS ON EDUCATION MINISTER TO MEET WITH COMMUNITY AS MORE FUNDING ANNOUNCED FOR HIGH SCHOOL

BY ELIZA KLOSER AND SAM WALKER

Old buildings at Roebourne District High School were closed in 2022 for demolition but are still standing. Credit: Eliza Kloser.

WA’s Education Minister has announced an additional $20.2 million for the redevelopment of the Roebourne District High School (RDHS) in the Pilbara.

The funding will be included in next week’s State Budget and is the second increase in funding for the RDHS redevelopment, taking the total budget to $72.2 million.

The project was first announced by the state government in 2020.

Ngaarda Media understands the project has been delayed since then due to rising inflation and construction costs.

Community members hope the extra $20.2 million will make up for the increased costs and enable the original master plan of the redevelopment to be built.

Ngarluma elder Josie Samson said she hopes Education Minister Tony Buti will meet with community members to discuss the redevelopment during his visit to the Pilbara region next week.

“I would love Minister Buti to come and speak to us, straight to the people, to [let us] know exactly what is the budget that is allocated for the school, and even to give us a breakdown,” she said.

Minister Buti said in a statement: "The Roebourne District High School redevelopment is an important investment in the future of local students and the wider community. Their input into the design of the new facilities will serve to inspire Aboriginal students.

"There has already been plenty of excited discussions about the new school layout and the community ideas will be fundamental to the building features, play spaces and outdoor learning areas."

According to the state government, the tender is anticipated to be awarded later this month, with construction set to begin later in the year.

Ngaarda Media contacted Minister Buti to ask if he will meet with community members but did not receive a response as of time of publication.