New classroom complete for Umbakumba School, Northern Territory

Located in one of Australia’s most remote areas, Umbakumba School in the Northern Territory is celebrating the completion of a new classroom, using funding of $850,000 under the Primary Schools for the 21st Century (P21) element of the Building the Education Revolution (BER).

The new classroom was built in Darwin and then transported by barge to Umbakumba School, situated approximately 650 kilometres east of Darwin, and 50 kilometres off the Arnhem Land Coast in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

The classroom, using $850,000 of P21 funding, was designed by Darwin architects Woodhead, and pre-built in the Darwin yards of local company Northern Transportables. The school’s building project couldn’t have come at a better time for Northern Transportables, who were considering downsizing prior to being awarded the contract. This work has ensured the company was able to maintain existing staff levels.

Once the classroom was transported to the school it was then up to mechanics, electricians, welders, carpenters, plumbers, concreters, and hydraulics specialists to complete the project. A total of 20 tradespeople worked to install the classroom.

The classroom has been insulated, and includes disabled facilities. The Umbakumba community will also benefit from the new classroom as there will now be the space to house Job Shop, which is committed to developing local skills through the Upskills program.

“Usually Umbakumba is the last school on everyone’s radar. This time it’s first and I’m really, really excited,” said school Principal, Ms Alessa Fremmer.

In addition to the new classroom, the school’s 135 pre-primary, primary and secondary students have also benefited from $75,000 of funding under Round One of the National Schools Pride Program, for painting and landscaping of the school. The school painting has been a great outcome for the community, with many of the students engaged in painting the murals. 

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