Deniliquin High students returned for their first day of school this week, less than three months after a devastating fire destroyed 30 classrooms. Photo: Supplied.
Deniliquin High School has reopened to students only two months after many of its classrooms were destroyed in a fire.
The school was ripped apart by the devastating fire at the end of November 2025, when two teenagers allegedly started a blaze that claimed up to 30 classrooms.
Following the fire, a construction blitz was launched to ensure that a temporary campus would be set up by the time students returned for the 2026 school year.
With deadline day set for 9 February, the school has been able to meet the target, with 24 demountables set up to replace the burnt infrastructure.
More than 500 students returned for the first day of school, as the NSW Government turns its attention to rebuilding what was lost during the November fire.
“The temporary facilities at Deniliquin High School will ensure continuity of quality education as the dedicated rebuild gets underway,” Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said.
“The government is committed to supporting regional communities, and we will deliver a fit-for-purpose high school rebuild for local students.
“Separately, construction is also underway on a brand-new public preschool at nearby Deniliquin South Public School.
“The new Deniliquin South Public Preschool will provide local families greater access to quality early learning close to home.”
Member for Murray Helen Dalton said locals’ initial reaction to the fire was that it would cause major disruptions to students. However, she said she was pleased with the swift response.
“The fire at Deniliquin High School was a shock to our community, and parents and students were concerned that the incident would prove incredibly disruptive,” Ms Dalton said.
“But the fast action by the NSW Government to build temporary facilities means this disruption has been largely avoided.
“This is a great outcome, and the NSW Government should be commended for stepping up so quickly to support the people of Deniliquin following the high school fire.”
Deniliquin High principal Glen Warren said students were excited to head back to school following several months of uncertainty.
“We are excited to welcome students back to a safe and well-equipped temporary campus,” Mr Warren said.
“The past few months have been challenging for our whole school community, but the dedication and support we have received from the department and the wider community is heartening.”
