Public Meeting to discuss possibility of establishing a school for sub-normal children was called by the Mayor Ballina, Ald. R. O’Neill. Thirty two people attended. Mrs J. Blackmore addressed the meeting, indicating the she believed that sub-normal children in Ballina District needed help. Dr. J. Joyce, Area Director of Education, addressed the meeting on “How Sub-normal children can be helped”. An interim investigating committee was formed with Rev. A. Mewett as President and Mrs. J. Blackmore as Secretary.
A committee to establish a school for sub-normal children was formed. President, Mr J. Johnson; Vice President, Mr W. Monaghan; Secretary, Mrs J. Blacmore; Asst Secretary, Mr R. Lyon; Treasurer, Mr C.P. Rinkin; Publicity Officer, Mrs K. Johnston; Committee, Rev B. Napper, Messrs B. Thomas, I. Bathgate, Mesdames D. Topfer, H. Hunter-King, A.Bathgate.
Affiliated with the Richmond Valley Branch of the Sub-normal Children’s Welfare Association.
“Biala” (I Understand) chosen as the name of the school.
Biala Special School opened, using the Ballina Surf Club as temporary premises.
Ladies Auxiliary formed. President, Mrs D Topfer; Vice Presidents, Mrs J. Phillips, Mrs T. Collins; Secretary, Mrs M. Barwick; Treasurer, Mrs P. Johnson.
The school officially opened by Mrs. J. Starnes, District School Inspector.
First Annual Meeting. Election of Officers – President, Mr J. Johnson; Vice Presidents, Mr B. Thomas, Mrs D. Topfer; Secretary, Rev B. Napper; Asst Secretary, Mr W. Monaghan; Treasurer, Mr C.P. Rinkin; Publicity, Mrs M. Barwick.
Mr. R. Peterson asked to prepare sketch plans for “Biala” Special School.
Notification of land grant from Lands Department. Land facing Fox Street and Acacia Place.
School moved to Methodist Hall, Cherry Street, Ballina.
Second Annual Meeting and launching of the Building Fund Appeal by the Mayor of Ballina. Forty two members and visitors attend the Annual Meeting. Election of Officers – President, Rev B. Napper; Vice Presidents, Mr B. Thomas, Mrs D. Topfer; Secretary, Mr W. Monaghan; Asst Secretary, Mr R. Lyon; Treasurer, Mr C.P. Rinkin; Publicity Officer, Mrs M. Barwick; Patrons, Sir Robert Askin, Mr J.D. Anthony, Ald J. Easter, Mr R. O’Neill, Mr N. Newton; Auditors, Messrs E.D. Armstrong and Partners.
Tenders closed for school building.
Tender for $30,500 accepted from James Hay Constructions.
Biala Special School building is completed.
Biala Special School building officially opened by the Hon J.D. Anthony, M.H.R. The Committee of the Biala Special School at the time of the opening is as follows:
The officers as elected at the Annual Meeting on the 22nd February 1972 and Mesdames N Dalrymple, I Lofts, N O’Neill, J Wilkinson, A Gordon, J Tobin, R Monaghan; Messrs R Peterson, K Rankin, F Moy.