Construction is finally underway on the first new high school to be built in the Hunter Valley in more than 25 years.
NSW Premier Chris Minns joined Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos and Port Stephens Kate Washington for the sod-turning ceremony at Medowie on Friday 26 September.
The facility will feature 29 modern classrooms, specialist workshops and labs, a multipurpose hall, library, outdoor play areas and sport facilities.
It’s expected to welcome students on Day 1 Term 1 2027.
“This is a milestone for pupils and families in Medowie,” Medowie Public School principal Allison Thompson said.
“It’s reassuring to know our graduates will have a seamless transition into secondary education, with a new school designed to help them thrive.”
Equally-excited was Ms Washington.
“We’ve fought for this project for years,” she said.
“So, it’s a dream come true, thanks to the Minns Labor government.
“The former Coalition spent more than a decade telling everyone we didn’t need a public high school here in Medowie.
“But, this will transform our community.
“It’ll give kids the opportunities they deserve, right here at home.”
Medowie is the fastest-growing suburb in the Port Stephens LGA, with the community’s population predicted to increase by more than 4,000 residents before 2040.
“The new high school will be a game-changer for the region,” Mr Minns said.
“As the son of a public school teacher, I know that it’s not just new schools that matter but also delivering the teachers in them to give our children the best education.
“And, that’s what we’re doing by cutting teacher vacancies and halving the number of merged and cancelled classes in our state.
“Medowie has been waiting well over a decade for this moment.
“So, I especially want to acknowledge the tireless advocacy of Kate and her community without whom this school would not be starting construction [today].”
Since coming to office in 2023, the Labor government has worked hard to rebuild public education across NSW.
Major infrastructure projects in progress or completed across the Hunter include the recently-finished upgrades at Hunter River and Irrawang high schools, and work at Newcastle High, Gillieston Public and Thornton Public.
Planning has also started on a new primary school and high school in Huntlee.
“We’re striving to rebuild public education across NSW, while the former Liberal-National Government repeatedly told the community a high school in Medowie was unnecessary,” Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said.
“I must congratulate Deputy Premier Prue Car and Kate [Washington] for their advocacy.
“As its population grows, we’re investing in Port Stephens’ future prosperity and demonstrating our commitment to ensuring every student has access to a world-class public education close to home.”
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