A significant number of Canberra public schools have been forced to close their doors today, Friday November 14, 2025, following the discovery of asbestos contamination in a popular children's craft product.
Safety Concern Prompts Widespread Shutdown
The decision to close multiple educational facilities came after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued a recall notice for Kadink Decorative Sand, which was found to contain traces of chrysotile asbestos. This coloured sand product is commonly used in Canberra schools for sensory play activities and arts and crafts programs.
WorkSafe ACT has been working closely with the Education Directorate to manage the situation, with authorities indicating that while the risk of exposure remains low, the precautionary closures are necessary to allow for comprehensive testing and remediation efforts.
Complete List of Affected Schools
The school closures affect institutions across the Canberra region, with some experiencing complete shutdowns while others face partial closures impacting specific year levels and programs.
Schools experiencing full closures include:
- Black Mountain School
- Campbell Primary School
- Charles Weston School
- Charnwood-Dunlop Primary School
- Evatt Primary School
- Florey Primary School
- Latham Primary School
- Lyons Early Childhood School
- Malkara School
- Namadgi School
Partial Closures and Preschool Impacts
Several schools are operating with reduced capacity, affecting multiple classes and specific programs:
- Charles Conder Primary School - preschool and small group program
- North Ainslie Primary School - preschool and year 1
- Torrens Primary School - preschool, kindergarten and year 1
- Wanniassa School - preschool to year 6
- Yarralumla Primary School - Montessori, kindergarten, year 1, small group program
Additionally, preschool-only closures are in effect at Chapman Primary School, Cranleigh School, Curtin Primary School, Kingsford Smith School (including Koori Preschool), and Narrabundah Early Childhood School.
Authorities Emphasise Precautionary Approach
The Education Directorate has confirmed that the decision to close schools was made following direct advice from WorkSafe ACT and aligns with established safety processes. Parents and guardians have been notified through official channels about the temporary closures and are being kept informed about when normal operations will resume.
WorkSafe ACT continues to assess the situation and coordinate testing procedures to ensure all affected schools can reopen safely once the asbestos contamination risk has been properly addressed. The community is advised to monitor official communications from both WorkSafe ACT and the Education Directorate for updates on when students can return to their classrooms.
