Our Story
It all began with a school building
Nestled in the heart of the Mallee region, Geranium has long been home to a dedicated school. From humble origins and a stone classroom built in 1929, the Geranium Primary School became a central feature of the town's community life. The site expanded in 1965 as the Geranium Area School, and served as a hub for neighbouring communities until shifting demographics led to its reversion as a primary school in 1990.
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Transition to community ownership
By 2022 the school site had reached the end of its educational use, with no enrolments and the decision by the South Australian Department for Education to formally close the school in July 2023. From that point the site was earmarked for transfer to local community control, ensuring the buildings and facilities continue to serve the people of Geranium and the surrounding region. In November 2024 the Department confirmed it would dispose of the property to a community group, with formal hand-over by January 2025. In March 2025, the town secured the property for the symbolic amount of just $1.10 and began repurposing it for community use.
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Welcome to the Geranium Community Hub
Today, the former school campus has been renamed the Geranium Community Hub - a vibrant, volunteer-led facility looking to create a vibrant future. The pool and gym remain community-accessible, a new op shop now operates in the former design & technology room, and spaces such as the library, kindy zone and meeting rooms are being activated. The Hub aims to foster connection, opportunity and long-term sustainability for Geranium and its neighbours.
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Timeline at a glance
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Year Key Event
1929 Dedicated stone classroom built when school enrolment approached 40.
1965 Geranium Area School opened, consolidating local small-schools.
1990 School reverts to primary only; secondary education shifts to Lameroo.
2022 No students remain; review of the site’s future begins.
4 July 2023 Geranium Primary School formally closed by the Department for Education.
Nov 2024 Minister confirms disposal of site to community group, hand-over by Jan 2025.
16 March 2025 Town takes ownership for $1.10 and community reuse begins with op shop, private cafe business and other activities.
Sponsor the Geranium Hub
The Geranium Community Hub has released its Sponsorship Prospectus, inviting local and regional businesses to help us continue improving community facilities and keeping vital services running in our town.
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We’re raising funds for modest renovations on a tight budget, focused on keeping activities and facilities available at low or no cost for local families. In an area that’s often isolated from services, the Hub and the swimming pool have become important meeting places, especially through summer, when there’s little sport on offer.
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Kids and families come from right across the 5301 postcode including Karoonda, Lameroo and Coomandook to use the Geranium Pool and enjoy a safe, welcoming community space.
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Sponsorship is a practical way to make a real difference. Silver and Bronze sponsors also receive a family pool pass for the season as a thank you for your support.
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If your business would like to be part of something that’s keeping small towns and connections alive, take a look at the prospectus or get in touch with us to find out more.
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Sponsorships are currently not tax deductible but we are in the process of registering for charity status.
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