Davidson residents are calling on the authorities to reconsider plans that may place Kambora Public School into recess in 2026, following a steep enrolment decline.
Community Urged to Act Over Kambora’s Future
The Davidson community has launched a strong campaign to protect Kambora Public School after the NSW Department of Education began consultations on its future. Parents, local businesses, former students and supporters are being urged to make submissions before the 20 June deadline.
Kambora’s enrolment has fallen to 41 students in 2025, down from around 280 in 2018. Only two children entered Kindergarten this year. In response, the Department has proposed placing the school into recess in 2026 while future demand is reviewed.
Concerns Over Impacts and Decision Pace
The school’s Parent and Community Committee said the consultation feels like a “fast-tracked” path to closure, despite being labelled as a review process. The flyer circulated by the group outlines potential impacts of recess: school closure, staff redeployment, overcrowded neighbouring schools, and loss of community identity.
With new housing developments underway in the region, campaigners are questioning why potential future student growth is not being accounted for.
Community Campaign Gains Momentum
The P&C Committee is encouraging residents to email submissions directly to the Department, highlighting Kambora’s role in providing a stable, community-focused learning environment. Suggestions include merge options, site repurposing, and zoning changes.
Supporters are being asked to share personal stories, raise questions about the process, and offer local alternatives. The campaign positions recess not as a neutral measure, but as the first step towards permanent closure.
Local official Matt Cross has also expressed support for delaying any final decision to give the school more time to rebuild enrolments, especially for Kindergarten in 2026.
Nearby Schools and Enrolment Trends
Mimosa Public School, located 1.2 kilometres away, currently enrols 517 students. Other schools in the Belrose and Wakehurst areas have also seen enrolment declines, but none as sharp as Kambora’s. The consolidation of classes into multi-year groups has raised further concerns among parents.
Timeline and Next Steps
Consultations will continue over the coming weeks, with the Department confirming that no final decision has been made. Submissions to the Metro North consultation panel are open until 20 June.
Submissions can be emailed to metronorthdeewhy@det.nsw.edu.au
Attention: Amber Gorrell
CC: Matt.Cross@parliament.nsw.gov.au and kamborapandc@outlook.com
All current students will remain at Kambora throughout the review process.
Published 30-May-2025