News

Construction begins for new Catholic school

By Lua Ikenasio

May 26, 2026

Catholic Education Wilcannia-Forbes director Paula Leadbitter, Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green and Foundation Principal Natalie Lay. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Moama’s newest school, St Carlo’s Catholic School, is on track to open its doors for the 2027 school year, with construction now under way.

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An official sod turning ceremony was held on Thursday, May 21 with Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes representatives marking the milestone alongside esteemed guests.

St Carlo’s is set to be the 19th school under the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes and will cater for students from kindergarten to Year 6.

Catholic Education Wilcannia-Forbes director Paula Leadbitter said the sod turning was a major step forward for the development.

“To have this project come to this chapter in the story is a great celebration for the diocese, for Bishop Columba, and for the Moama and St Aloysius parish community,” she said.

Catholic Education Wilcannia-Forbes director Paula Leadbitter. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

In the lead-up to the opening, the diocese has hosted various enrolment information sessions for residents to learn about what the school can offer.

Wilcannia-Forbes representative Melissa Cannon said there had been strong interest from community members in the school.

“Interest has been very encouraging,” she said.

“We have steadily received interest since our very first information sessions that we held here in Moama.

“Our enrolment information sessions have been designed to support families to learn more about the school and the enrolment process, and we are looking forward to meeting families as we build our founding community together.”

Newly appointed Foundation principal Natalie Lay. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Earlier this year, Natalie Lay was also officially appointed as the Foundation principal for St Carlo's.

Ms Lay is a highly experienced educator who currently serves as the principal of St Joseph's Parish School, Balranald, another school under the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese.

As the school’s completion nears, Ms Lay looks forward to moving to Moama and building the school community.

Ms Cannon said the team behind the St Carlo’s development would continue to inform the community of major updates.

“A great deal of planning and collaboration is also happening behind the scenes to bring this exciting new school to life for future generations in Moama.

“We will continue to share updates and key milestones through our regular communication channels, so families can stay connected with the journey even while the site remains an active construction zone.”