newy.com.au – Medowie High School will share its recreation facilities with the community outside school hours when it opens in 2027, under a NSW government expansion of the Share Our Space program.
The school is among 14 due to open next year that will automatically join the scheme. Under the policy announced on Monday, all new public schools being built across NSW will participate, with more than 20 expected to open over the next two years.
Share Our Space gives residents access to school recreation areas, including sports courts, ovals and playgrounds, on weekends and during school holidays. The announcement did not specify which facilities would be available at Medowie High School or set out local access hours.
“Our school ovals and sports courts are too valuable to sit unused behind locked gates when there are no kids in the classroom,” Premier Chris Minns said.
The expansion follows a trial at 65 schools last year that extended community access into school terms, including after hours. According to the government, the trial provided more than 27,500 additional hours of free access. All 65 schools have now joined the program permanently, bringing participation to almost 250 schools statewide.
Education Minister Prue Car said opening school facilities more widely would give families access to spaces otherwise unavailable outside the school day.
“Giving local families access to space and facilities in schools that would otherwise be locked up after school, over weekends and during school holidays, is something that just makes sense,” she said.
The Department of Education will also seek to bring more schools into the program over the next year, prioritising areas with the greatest need for public open space and outdoor recreation facilities.
