WITH a new school year to begin soon, the fate of Allison House still remains uncertain, with committee chair Ross Andrews releasing a statement confirming the house remains closed for the start of the 2025, but is open to enquiries from students in need of board.
First established in 1964, Allison House was a home-away-from-home for many young people over the decades, with its closure causing issues for those living in remote locations.
The house provided boarding for high school students who lived in remote communities and attended school in Broken Hill, is run by a committee of volunteers and a not-for-profit.
“The committee of Allison House Students Accommodation Inc. regrets to advise that the Allison House Students Boarding Facility will not open at the commencement of the 2025 school year,” Mr Andrews said.
“The committee understands the inconvenience this decision will place on families who were utilising this facility.
“Unfortunately, to date, there has been no change in the circumstances which mitigated the closure of the boarding facility.”
The facility closed in 2024 due to a lack of students to keep the house running.
“This self-funded boarding facility requires a minimum of at least 12 students annually to remain financially viable,” Mr Andrews said.
While there may be no residents on site, the boarding house is currently undergoing roofing and internal repairs as well as general maintenance.
“With these renovations in mind, the committee continues to welcome genuine enquiries for students requiring accommodation later in 2025,” Mr Andrews said.
“The committee is investigating all avenues available to ensure secondary students in our isolated communities and on remote rural properties are afforded the same educational opportunities as students who live in Broken Hill.”
Mr Andrews confirmed that steps are being taken towards the future of the house, with potential developments to be announced in the future.
