Broadwater Public School, NSW
A New Chapter for a Resilient Community
Pembridge is proud to celebrate the official reopening of Broadwater Public School, marking a significant milestone in the recovery and renewal of the Northern Rivers region. After the devastating floods of 2022, which left much of the school’s original campus beyond repair, School Infrastructure NSW has delivered a state-of-the-art, flood-resilient facility that will serve the Broadwater community for generations to come.
Fast-Tracked Recovery and Innovative Design
Construction of the new school began in July 2024, after the NSW Government used enhanced powers under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act to accelerate planning and approvals, responding to strong community advocacy for a swift return to local learning. Less than nine months later, the school was officially returned to students, staff, and families, well ahead of schedule.
The rebuilt Broadwater Public School features:
An elevated building raised approximately four metres above ground, supported by a robust steel gantry for maximum flood resilience.
Three modern, flexible classrooms
A new library, canteen, and administration area, all connected by undercover walkways
A large undercroft area for covered play, a yarning circle, and new landscaping
Retention of beloved historic features, including the iconic school bell and the large fig tree known as the “love tree”
Community Celebration and Official Opening
The return to the new campus was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, with students, teachers, and parents gathering to celebrate the start of a new era for Broadwater Public School. The event was attended by Minister for Recovery and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, and Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, who joined the school community in recognising the hard work and resilience that made the rebuild possible.
Relieving Principal Bronwyn Cole reflected on the journey:
“Today is a day of celebration and gratitude for our school community. After all the challenges we have faced, it is wonderful to welcome students back to a school designed with their future in mind. It is a joy to walk through the school gates and see the happy faces of our students and staff. Teachers are making their classrooms feel like home, and students are excited to settle into their new learning and play spaces after seeing the incredible rebuild process unfold over the past months.”
Building for the Future
Broadwater Public School is the 14th school rebuild completed following the 2022 floods, a testament to the determination of the local community, the NSW Government, and all project partners. The new campus not only restores a vital community asset but also sets a benchmark for resilient, future-focused school design in flood-prone regions.
Pembridge is honoured to have contributed to this transformative project, working alongside School Infrastructure NSW and the Broadwater community to deliver a safe, innovative, and inspiring environment for learning and growth.