Rainforest School Finds Permanent Home At Frogs Hollow

Several Rainforest School students enjoy a music lesson with teacher aide Tara Webster (back, second from left), teacher Ian Stewart (middle, third from left) and principal Carolien Franken (middle, fourth from left). Pictured are (back, from left) Arlen, Tara Webster, Avyianna and Zephyr; (middle, from left) Xavier, Hayden, Ian Stewart and Carolien Franken; and (front, from left) Bee, Rheed, Angus and Noah. Photo supplied

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By Chelsea Ravizza

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The Rainforest School has officially secured its long-term future after Cassowary Coast Regional Council approved a Material Change of Use (MCU) application, paving the way for a 30-year lease at Frogs Hollow and bringing an end to years of uncertainty for the independent primary school.

The approval marks a significant milestone for the government-accredited school, which has spent years searching for a permanent home after its previous campus was destroyed in devastating floods.

Principal Carolien Franken said that although The Rainforest School is only in its eighth year, finding a permanent home has been central to its journey from the very beginning. While losing the school's previous campus was a major setback, she said it also revealed the resilience and strength of the school community.

"It is difficult to overstate the significance of this milestone," Ms Franken said.

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"For many people, this milestone is about much more than a lease agreement. It represents security, possibility and the chance to create a place that future generations of The Rainforest School students will call home."

Offering the full Australian Curriculum from Prep to Year 6, The Rainforest School will continue operating from Frogs Hollow while maintaining the site as a shared community space.

Ms Franken said the long-term lease would allow the school to establish a permanent home that reflects its educational vision while continuing to share Frogs Hollow with the wider community. She said the outcome also demonstrated what could be achieved through collaboration between council and the community, ensuring the site continued to benefit both the school and the broader public.

"Securing a 30-year lease at Frogs Hollow provides something every school hopes for: certainty," Ms Franken said.

"For our students, families and staff, it means we can confidently plan for the future and invest in creating a permanent home for learning."

Council said the approval reflected years of collaboration between the school, council and the wider community, with strong support shown throughout the approval process. Council also confirmed that development of the site and associated infrastructure works on the main road will not be funded through rates. Instead, the works will be financed through private investment by the school and other government funding sources.

A community celebration will be held at Frogs Hollow on Friday 14^th August to mark the beginning of the school's new chapter and recognise the many people who helped bring the vision to life.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Teresa Millwood welcomed the outcome, describing it as a win for both the school and the wider community.

"This is a wonderful outcome for The Rainforest School and our community. Frogs Hollow will remain a shared space for everyone to enjoy, while also providing a secure, long-term home for a school that plays such an important role in our region," Mayor Millwood said.

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"This milestone is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together for the benefit of our community. Congratulations to The Rainforest School and everyone involved in making this vision a reality."

Reflecting on the school's journey, Ms Franken said the achievement belonged to the many people who had helped shape The Rainforest School over the past eight years, saying what stood out most was the commitment of those who believed the school was worth building and sustaining.

"We are incredibly grateful to Cassowary Coast Regional Council for working with us to make this outcome possible, and we are excited about what comes next," she said.

"This is not the end of a journey. In many ways, it is the beginning of a new chapter."

What: Frogs Hollow Community Celebration

When: Friday, 14th August

Where: Frogs Hollow