The name of one of Estella Public School’s sporting houses has come into question. Photo: Estella Public School.
The NSW Department of Education has defended its decision to approve Estella Public School naming one of its four sporting houses after a controversial Wagga-born former Australian cricketer.
Michael Slater was a star Test opening batsman who played 116 international matches for his country. In 2022, he was convicted of domestic violence-related crimes including using a carriage service to harass, stalking or intimidating and common assault. He was also fined after an altercation with police in 2023 and faced fresh domestic violence charges in 2024.
In May 2024, Wagga Council voted to change the name of Michael Slater Oval in Bolton Park.
One of Estella Public School’s sporting houses was named ‘Slater’ in early 2021 and continues to use that name. However, the sports star’s fall from grace since then has left some parents concerned about the message it sends to students.
Wagga councillor Tim Koschel, who supported the oval name change, said the school house name was an “interesting” issue.
“On one hand I can understand why people would be upset with kids chanting ‘Slater’ at a sports carnival, but then again with Micahel Slater Oval, I spoke to my kids about that and they weren’t aware of who he is or was,” he said.
“I do understand these mental health issues and the different things involved in his own life. I think this decision is one for the school and parents out there.”
Some Estella Public School parents have also expressed their concerns about the name to Region and on social media.
Region contacted Estella Public School and its P&C committee, both of which stated they had no complaints from parents but were aware of the controversy that came with the name.
Both bodies referred Region to the NSW Department of Education, who are responsible for signing off on the naming of the school’s sporting houses.
“Estella Public School’s sporting house names were chosen in consultation with the community when the school opened in 2021,” a NSW Department of Education spokesperson said.
“There have been no issues raised directly with the school or the P&C about the names of its sporting houses but it would consider them if any were forthcoming.
“The sporting houses are named after sportspeople with connections to the Wagga Wagga region. One of the sporting houses is named after Wagga-born former Australian cricketer Michael Slater.”
There were some murmurs from parents involved with the school about a potential name change, to Green House, but the Department of Education said the school did not have any knowledge of any request to change the name.
Wagga Council has still not actioned its May 2024 decision to change the name of Michael Slater Oval.
In March 2025 vigilantes took matters into their own hands by covering the name with a big sticker saying, “End Domestic Violence”, a sign that was swiftly removed by the council.
