Teralba Public School Leads New Push to Open School Grounds to the Public

newy.com.au – Residents in Lake Macquarie will soon enjoy greater access to outdoor green space, with Teralba Public School selected as one of 11 schools across New South Wales to take part in a fresh initiative opening school grounds to the public outside school hours.

The NSW Government’s new trial is aimed at transforming underused school ovals, playgrounds, and sports courts into community hubs, open every day of the week outside of school hours. For locals in Teralba, this means more places for kids to kick a ball, families to enjoy a picnic, or individuals to get active without the restrictions of locked gates.

Teralba’s inclusion in the trial is especially welcome news in a growing region like Lake Macquarie, where increased housing development has heightened demand for accessible green spaces. While school facilities in many communities have long remained locked after hours, the state is now moving to change that.

Premier Chris Minns said the move is part of a broader push to get young people active and provide more shared spaces, especially for those living in apartment-style housing with limited outdoor areas. “It seems like a waste to keep hundreds of school ovals locked up at night, over the weekends and during school holidays,” he said.

While Teralba Public School is the key focus for the Hunter region, the trial also extends to schools such as Manly West, Roseville, Menindee Central, and Kogarah High – the latter having recently undergone significant upgrades including new fencing, stairways, and accessibility ramps.

Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car added that the initiative builds on the existing Share Our Space program, which already opens up nearly 200 schools during school holidays. However, this new trial is the first to allow access beyond just the holidays, helping deliver on the government’s plan to rebuild public education infrastructure and better support community wellbeing.

This change marks a significant win for families and outdoor enthusiasts in Lake Macquarie, with the gates at Teralba Public School soon to be thrown open to the community.