The Mayor of Ballina, Mr Ray O’Neill called a public meeting on the 11th July, 1969. This meeting was to hold open public discussion on the establishment of a school for handicapped children in Ballina. By October of that year the Ballina Branch of the Richmond Valley Sub-normal Children’s Welfare Association was formed.
A Ladies Auxiliary was formed in May 1970 and fundraising began in earnest. The general public responded with enthusiasm, and many organisations offered their help.
On 30th May 1970 Biala Special School opened in temporary premises at the Ballina Surf Club House at Lighthouse Beach. There were six pupils and one teacher, Mrs Sue Woods. Conditions were rugged as the building was not suitable to the children’s needs. With marvellous cooperation by Ballina Council, land was granted by the Lands Department. Sufficient money had now been raised to attract a Government subsidy, so Mr. Ray Petersen drew up plans, and a contract let for a school building costing $30,500. On February 3rd, 1973 the Right Honourable J.D. Anthony, Member for Richmond, officially opened the building. It was furnished and ready for occupation by the children at this date.
By August 1973, building, equipment and furniture were completely free of debt, a wonderful tribute to the generosity of the people of the Ballina District, and to the hard work and dedication of the Committee and Ladies Auxiliary.
In February 1973, Ballina Branch of the Sub-normal Children’s Welfare Association was given its Charter as a separate branch, no longer sponsored by the Richmond Valley Branch. At this time there were ten children aged from seven to fifteen years of age, in the care of one teacher and one teacher’s aide. Many voluntary helpers assisted the school for specific subjects – music, craft, reading, swimming, gymnastics, physical education, self-development, and excursions. The staff of Ballina Community Health Centre provided social workers, physiotherapist, and speech therapists and also organised craft classes and monthly social evenings which the senior pupils attended. Without the help of these people the school could not cover the wide range of activities which are necessary for the full development of the children.
Meals On Wheels were provided by the Committee for some undernourished children from disadvantaged homes. Under the guidance of the then teacher, Mrs. Maureen Taylor, a three year structure integration program had become an exciting adventure. In the first year a new concept of an open school was established. Visitors were welcomed; excursions organised, and inter-school activities were arranged with the local Primary and High Schools. The children learned to share each other’s experiences. In the second year the children became involved in work – field situations, assisting in hairdressing salons, frock salons, grocery stores and attending classes in woodwork, basketry and pottery at the Community Centre.
The final year of the three year program (1978) was designed to make efficient craftsman. New crafts such as leatherwork, macramé and dressmaking had been introduced. The highlights of the year had been the making of a patchwork quilt, which was exhibited at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, and the entry of a painting in the Southern Cross Arts Festival. This painting, the work of brother and sister, George and Alice Cameron, was highly commended by the judges. The senior pupils especially enjoyed an exciting trip to Sydney to see their rug on display.
With this coming and going between children and community, has come a welding together for mutual good for all. Basic skills of literacy and numeracy have increased, personalities have blossomed, craft skills developed and the children well prepared to take their place in the community.