Last month, Education Minister Adrian Piccoli, told state parliament his thoughts on the way several rural schools have been treated, one including Moree east.

“I think it is fair to say we have treated Aboriginal people like rubbish,” he said.

It has now been announced that MEPS will share $25 million with Walgett Community College High School and Brewarrina Central School to undergo rebuilds and refurbishments over a four year period.

“While significant funds have been allocated for the schools that will be rebuilt or refurbished, the exact details of these projects will be determined in consultation with local school communities to ensure the schools receive the facilities they actually need,” he said.

The remaining $10 million will see maintenance and minor works done to 13 of the other Connected Communities schools.

Mr Piccoli told The Australian, about the “disgusting” condition of several NSW schools with large numbers of indigenous students in remote towns such as Walgett, Moree, Wilcannia and Brewarrina last month. “They’re a long way away, out of sight and out of mind, and as such I think historically we have applied a different standard to them,” Mr Piccoli told The Australian.

Member for Barwon, Kevin Humphries, welcomed the Capital investment.

He said it was a capital investment to improve schools within rural and remote areas.

“I have previously expressed my concern to the Minister, Adrian Piccoli about the poor state of many of our western schools. Having visited the school (Moree East) for many years and after spending some time in the school earlier this year I made a commitment that the best thing for this school was to knock it down and rebuild,” he said.

Mr Humphries said the Nationals would continue to work with communities, to make sure everyone had access to educational opportunities that were inclusive of community needs and expectations.

“In most instances the works will improve the physical appearance of the school, with the aim of improving the teaching and learning environment for students and teachers,” Mr Piccoli said.

In September Mr Piccoli visited a number of schools in regional and remote NSW. 

“The condition of many of these schools was unacceptable, and would not be tolerated in any other part of NSW,” he said.

The Moree Champion tried contacting the school but unfortunately a comment could not be provided at the time of print.