After visiting Bribie Mr W.E. Benbow, District Inspector, wrote to the Under Secretary of the Department of Public Instruction on 27th August 1923 of the need for a school on Bribie Island. 

Thirteen school age children were living on or near the Island and ten more were currently educated away from the Island. Mr Benbow made the comment that the School would also cater for visitors’ children.

The recommendation was for the ‘smallest type of school’ be built (to begin with) and he advised that the Brisbane Tug & Steamship Company had offered the use of the local hall until a suitable building was provided. 

The site selected was ‘central, suitable and convenient’ consisting of six quarter acre allotments. Teacher(s) could be accommodated by the several boarding houses.[i]

By September 1923 approval was granted for a new State School to be built at a budget cost of £650. While plans were drawn and building commenced, Mr Les Diplock, as head teacher, opened the Bribie Provisional School on 4th February 1924 in the Brisbane Tug and Steamship’s community hall. The pupil enrolment was 26, with ages ranging from five to fourteen. The hall served as a schoolroom during the week, a dance hall on Saturday nights and a place of worship on Sunday. 

On 16th February 1925, Mr. Diplock advised the Department that the newly built Bribie State school was ready for the school year.

During World War 2 the school was only closed for a short period between 26th April 1942 and 21st March 1943.

Written by Lynne Hooper from information sourced from the BIHS Database and Bribie State School Golden Jubilee booklet 1924-1974

[i] Department of Public Works - 1924