Council
21 September, 2025
Future of local school up in the air
Wingecarribee Shire Council will seek clarification from the NSW Government about future plans for Penrose Public School.
Wingecarribee Shire Council will seek clarification from the NSW Government about future plans for Penrose Public School.
Council has received urgent representations from concerned residents and the Penrose Community Association about possible closure of the school.
The issue was raised in a Mayoral Minute at Council’s September 17 meeting but was still discussed in Cr Jesse Fitpatrick’s absence given its urgency.
Council will write to Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman and the NSW Department of Education to clarify if there are any plans to place the school in recess.
At the same time council has voiced its opposition to the closure of any schools in the LGA given they are “vital community and social infrastructure”.
According to the Mayoral Minute, no formal announcement has been made about the school but residents are being told the school is not accepting new enrolments for 2026 – creating “deep concern” in the community.
“Local schools are more than educational institutions; they are critical elements of village identity, vitality and resilience,” the Mayoral Minute stated.
“They support families, attract and retain young residents and underpin the long-term sustainability of our rural communities.
“The potential loss of Penrose Public School is therefore not simply a matter of enrolments but one that goes to the heart of the village’s social infrastructure.”
Avoca Public School was placed into recess earlier this year.
Cr Fitzpatrick said this decision had highlighted the importance of “early and proactive advocacy” to ensure the views of the community are taken into account before decisions are made.
“On this occasion council is acting swiftly to seek clarification and to convey the important of Penrose Public School to the sustainability and vitality of the village.”
Cr Fitzpatrick said a viable primary school in Penrose was integral to council’s vision – adopted as part of the Wingecarribee 2035 Community Strategic Plan: “By 2035 Wingecarribee will be the most liveable place in NSW for all generations to thrive.”
The Mayor said while education was a NSW Government responsibility, it was vital the Department of Education “considers the local context and aspirations of communities when making decisions that impact their future”.
Councillor David Kent did not support the mayoral minute action.
Cr Sara Moylan said schools were important any time, but particularly so at the moment given planned housing development in Bowral South. She fears existing schools will be unable to accommodate increased student numbers.
Read More: Penrose, Southern Highlands