A central Victorian primary school is facing another storm clean-up, less than two months after December’s destructive storm tore through the region.
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Taradale Primary School lost about six mature trees on Saturday evening, some of which fell on fences, a shade sail and the school’s chicken coop.
Principal Chris Burgess said the storm only lasted about five minutes, but brought strong winds.
Mr Burgess said that while the chicken coop was crushed, all the chickens were fortunately unharmed.
One tree fell across a phone line, pulling some fascia from a building, and another tore some holes in a shade sail.
Water entered through the roof of the school’s bell tower.
Mr Burgess said the storm also left the school grounds littered with plant debris.
A Department of Education and Training contractor attended the school on Sunday to make the grounds safe.
Mr Burgess said the school would hold working bees to repair some of the damage, such as that to the chicken coop.
The cost of the damage will run into the thousands.
Mr Burgess said the school was just finishing the clean-up from the December 19 storm.
Taradale was among the worst-hit areas during that weather event.
But Mr Burgess said that storm, while stronger, was actually less destructive for the school than Saturday’s weather event.
The school is open and operating as normal on Monday.
Mr Burgess said he had heard from several members of the community, some of whom he did not know, offering assistance if needed.
“That’s been really nice, to hear people want to come help clean up,” he said.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
