Muswellbrook Shire Council has announced an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the Richard Gill School’s transfer to the Melos Education Group.
Mayor Jeff Drayton confirmed Council will appoint an external investigator with a legal background to examine the gifting of land and money to the school when it was first established, as well as decisions made by the school’s board.
He said the move comes after strong community concern and growing frustration over the lack of transparency in how the transfer was handled.
“Council has decided we’ll have someone completely independent conduct the investigation,” Mayor Drayton said.
“If issues are found, we’ll report them to the appropriate authorities, including the Office of Local Government.”
He added that Council is mindful of the impact on students, parents and teachers.
“This affects families directly — it’s not their fault. Parents have made the best decisions they can for their children, and we want to make sure the facts are clear and the process is fair.”
The investigation will commence immediately, with results to be made public once the findings are finalised.
