Ngalangangpum School

In March 2011 water from Turkey Creek inundated the Aboriginal community of Warmun after record heavy rainfall in the area resulting in the evacuation of 400 people, destruction of 85 houses and major damage to infrastructure and facilities in the community. Pritchard Francis was involved in a number of important projects during the reconstruction of the community including civil and structural engineering on the Ngalangangpum School.

The school provides education to residents from kindergarten to secondary level and suffered significant damage to buildings and facilities during the flood. Students were initially required to relocate to Kununurra while temporary classrooms were installed and the school site made safe. The permanent replacement classrooms, administration and associated facilities were designed to be located above the flood level, achieved by importing sand fill to raise sufficient areas to accommodate all of the required buildings at an appropriate level. The buildings were constructed using load-bearing prefabricated welded steel wall frames and trusses, which were rapidly erected on site. The new school has enabled students to receive their education in a facility that is appropriate for the educational standards expected in the current era.