Hyden Primary School Asbestos: Parents Demand Permanent Fix
Parents and health advocates are calling for the urgent, permanent removal of asbestos at Hyden Primary School in regional Western Australia after repeated discoveries spanning 12 years. The WA Department of Education has committed to a site assessment during the July school holidays, but locals argue current policies offer only temporary fixes that put students and staff at ongoing risk.
Why are parents demanding action at Hyden Primary School?
Parents at the regional school, located 330 kilometres south-east of Perth, report that students and locals have been finding pieces of asbestos on the grounds for over a decade. Catherine Mayfield, president of the parents and citizens association, said the current approach relies on a reactive cycle that fails to address the root cause.
They notify the teachers, who then notify the education department, which is based in Narrogin, so they send someone out, remove the piece of asbestos, and basically they just continue.
Krystie Falconer, a mother of three children who have attended the school, highlighted a specific incident where students found the material while planting seeds in a school garden. She emphasized that the issue represents a long period of potential exposure for the community.
What are the health risks and current department policies?
Under the Department of Education's existing policy, areas where asbestos is found must be taped off until the material is removed. However, the Asbestos Disease Society of Australia argues this protocol is insufficient for protecting public health.
My view on the matter is it should be properly sealed with proper cover, the contaminated areas, and then over the holidays appropriately removed. All children are precious, and we should be taking everything in our power to prevent any exposure.
Melita Markey, the society's chief executive, stressed that preventative containment must replace the current piece-by-piece removal method.
Is regional infrastructure facing systemic neglect?
Parents have written to WA Education Minister Sabine Winton, calling for a full assessment and the urgent removal of contaminated materials. The letters stressed that current policies are unacceptable given the health and safety hazards, and also noted concerns from gardening and maintenance staff about working in contaminated areas. Ms Mayfield said there has been no response to the correspondence.
The asbestos is believed to originate from an old asbestos ablution block buried on the school grounds. Erosion and student activity have gradually exposed the material, leading to more frequent discoveries over time. The most recent incident occurred in June 2026.
A Department of Education spokesperson stated that the material has been removed, sent for testing, and the area cordoned off. The spokesperson noted the school had raised the issue four times and confirmed a precautionary assessment is scheduled for the July holidays.
For Ms Mayfield, the situation reflects a broader disparity in how regional communities are treated compared to their metropolitan counterparts.
We just feel like out here, because there's fewer children involved, it's just a constant bandaid solution, and it's not rectifying the actual problem.
How long has asbestos been found at Hyden Primary School?
Parents and community members have reported finding pieces of asbestos at the school for at least 12 years.
Where is the asbestos at Hyden Primary School coming from?
The uncovered asbestos is believed to come from an asbestos ablution block that was buried on the school grounds. Erosion and digging have brought the material to the surface.
What is the WA Education Department's response to the asbestos findings?
The Department of Education follows a policy of taping off and removing found materials. A spokesperson confirmed that a further assessment of the site will be conducted during the July school holidays to determine any additional actions.