Muswellbrook Shire Council has formally requested that the Board of the Richard Gill School return the land and facilities originally transferred to the school by Council following a change in control of the Richard Gill School Board and concerns about the school’s solvency and viability.

Council has recently asked for evidence of the school’s solvency and operational viability. That evidence is yet to be provided.

Council’s requests follow the proposed merger of the Richard Gill School into the Melos Education Group – a private religious education network.

Council understands that the merger has progressed despite Council expressing its concerns regarding the merger.

The land and former Council Administration Building were provided to the Richard Gill School by Council to accommodate the establishment of a unique independent local school focused on music and STEM education, drawing on the legacy of Richard Gill AO.

There are already faith-based education options available to the community. In assisting with the establishment of a secular school like the Richard Gill School, Council’s intent was to expand high-quality educational opportunities for children in Muswellbrook Shire, in harmony with the existing blend of local schools.

The school has confirmed that it and the Melos Group are committed to operating the school, based on the Richard Gill Philosophy, on the land for the foreseeable future.

However, without assurances from the Richard Gill School Board that the school will remain secular, and evidence to support the school’s solvency, Council felt obligated to seek the return of the land. Muswellbrook Shire Council will update the community as this matter progresses.