It was a people power win for Wellington Public School as deputy premier and local member for Dubbo Troy Grant announced a security fence in the upcoming budget for the school, following a petition in Wellington that raised 1000 signatures.
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The fence was fast-tracked last year after a man with a knife forced the school into lockdown.
Alleged to be intoxicated and in possession of a suspicious substance, the man, 29 at the time, challenged two boys and tried to incite a fight with them outside the school hall.The older boys were waiting to pick up their siblings from school, police said, adding that the man then attempted to chase the boys down the street threatening them with a knife.
It is understood students were traumatised by the event.
Since then, the school has had to have security guards on site for any special events outside of school hours.
The P&C were quick to act, securing 1000 signatures on their petition to education minister Adrian Piccoli.They complained about constant vandalism and instances of needles being found on school grounds.
Members of the school community said it was something the school had needed for years, adding that the issue was broached with Mr Grant in the lead up to last election.
"When you have to argue so hard for something that seems so logical, it's always nice to get it up," Mr Grant said.
"It's always good to win and it's a win for Wellington."
"It was inappropriate. Schools are supposed to be safe places -and mostly are," he said, adding that the fence would help to ensure that.
The P&C now have their sights set on other projects for the school such as beautification of the grounds and an extension of their Stephanie Alexander-inspired garden where they plan to have a chook run.
"We are very grateful to Mr Grant," Stella Miller of the P&C said.
"You can do all of the leg work, but it wouldn't have happened without him approaching the education minister."
