In August 2024, the historic Menangle old school – which dates back to the 1870s – reopened after a major makeover.
Now it’s about to become a place of learning once again.
Wollondilly Shire Council has announced that the Old Menangle School building has been leased to Disability South West, a service that provides support and care to young people with disabilities, their families and carers in Wollondilly, Macarthur and south-west Sydney.
They plan to use the school site as a thriving community hub for disability inclusion, learning and engagement for participants under the NDIS.
Life skills such as cooking, gardening, exercise and nutrition will be taught at the school.
There will also be travel training, making use of the nearby Menangle train station.
While the school building itself will be leased, the surrounding park, playground, community garden and barbecue facilities will remain fully open to the public.
Council says Disability South West also looks forward to building relationships with the local community and inviting community members into the building for special events and open days in the future.
“I’d like to welcome Disability South West to the Menangle Old School and congratulate them on the lease agreement,’’ said Mayor Matt Gould.
“Disability South West has been providing outreach services in the Picton area since 2019, so they already have strong ties to our Shire.
“Disability South West shares Council’s commitment to an inclusive, connected and sustainable community.
“Council is pleased to be investing further in the community areas by partially enclosing the outdoor barbecue and sink area to provide better all-weather use for the community.”
It is planned that the tenant will move in after the completion of the current Station Street roadworks and the opening of the Menangle School of Arts Hall.
The building will need only some minor temporary modifications for accessibility.