General News
16 August, 2026
Home at long last
THE Rainforest School is putting down permanent roots at Frogs Hollow, celebrating the official approval of a 30-year lease that secures the government-accredited independent primary school’s long-term future in the Cassowary Coast.
Community members, local leaders, students and families will gather at the South Mission Beach Road site this Friday morning (14 August) for a celebratory event featuring face painting, children’s activities, morning tea and the symbolic burial of a time capsule to mark the historical milestone.
The approval of a Material Change of Use (MCU) application by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council grants the eight-year-old school the long-sought certainty to build a dedicated, permanent campus.
The decision brings vital stability to the educational community, which suffered the loss of its previous privately-owned premises during a devastating flood in 2024.
While discussions regarding the move to Frogs Hollow were already underway prior to the natural disaster, the loss of the former site underscored the urgent need for a safe, secure and permanent place for students to learn.
Importantly for local ratepayers, infrastructure developments on the main road and site enhancements will not rely on council rates.
Instead, the upcoming build will be funded entirely through private school contributions and government funding sources.
Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood praised the spirit of cooperation that brought the project to fruition, emphasising that the arrangement balanced educational needs with community access.
“This is a wonderful outcome for The Rainforest School and our community,” she said.
“Frogs Hollow will remain a shared space for everyone to enjoy, while also providing a secure, long-term home for a school that plays such an important role in our region.
“This milestone is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together for the benefit of our community.”
The unique site arrangement ensures that Frogs Hollow remains a shared local asset, maintaining its role as a recreational space for the broader public alongside its new educational identity.
Delivering the full Australian curriculum from prep through year six, the school has built its reputation around connecting children with nature, place and community.
For Rainforest School Principal Carolien Franken, securing the three-decade lease represents the culmination of years of dedication from staff, families, volunteers and local advocates.
“For our school, this is much more than a 30-year lease. It is the opportunity to put down roots,” she said.
“It gives us the certainty to plan, invest and create a permanent home where children can learn, grow and belong for generations to come.”
Reflecting on the site’s rich heritage and the collaborative journey with council, Ms Franken noted that the school aims to blend seamlessly into the existing social fabric of South Mission Beach.
“Frogs Hollow has been a valued community place for decades.,” she said.
“We see ourselves, not as taking over that story, but becoming part of it. What excites me most is thinking about the students who aren’t even enrolled yet – children who will arrive here in 10, 20 or 30 years’ time.”
Read More: Mission Beach