Local business owner Russ Meyers, who attended the school for seven years, said he would be “devastated” to see Collingullie Primary School close its doors. 

President of Collingullie’s Progress Association, Mr Meyers said he has handed out flyers and sent letters to the Department of Education, pleading the small community’s case. 

“We have a strong community, great sporting facilities, our corner store has just re-opened and lots of building plans have been approved,” Mr Meyers said. 

“We are just getting back on our feet – the closure of the school is the last thing we need.” 

Mr Meyers attributed “internal issues” to the dwindling numbers at the school. 

“As far as the progress association is concerned we believe there are issues that should have been dealt with,” Mr Meyers said. 

“Parents have removed their children from the school rather than nipping the problems in the bud.” 

Mr Meyers said reported issues “fell on deaf ears”, causing unrest at the school. 

“It’s just not good enough – I would absolutely love to see all those students come back,” Mr Meyers said. 

“I don’t know if it will happen but we can only hope for the best as it’s always been a strong school.” 

Wagga MP Daryl Maguire said it was up to the parents in the community to support their own school. 

“There’s every resource available to the school and the community, it is up to the parents to send their kids there,” Mr Maguire said. 

“For whatever reason the parents have made their choice and they now have to face those consequences.”

Mr Maguire said smaller Riverina school’s have a great role to play in the community.

“Ultimately it’s a community school and there decisions will shape its future,” Mr Maguire said. 

Mr Meyers said the community didn’t need to suffer a downfall in trade. 

“My family was born and bred out here and we don’t want to see it go,” he said.