Anyone looking to buy a well-crafted, one-of-a-kind home should look no further than The Rivers Secondary College, Lismore High Campus – but you will need to be quick.

On Thursday 3 April, the Lismore High Tiny Home will go under the hammer at auction External linkand is testament to the talent and dedication of the Year 9 and 10 students who signed up to the project.

The students spent one day of each school week over three terms in 2024 working on the build under the guidance of local tradespeople.

Principal Chris Williams said the students had benefited from the real-world connections and support of school staff and tradespeople.

“They have learned valuable communication, organisation and planning skills while on the tools and we are grateful to everyone who supported the project with resources and their time,” he said.

Regional Industry Education Partnerships and Trade Readiness worked together to provide funding for the Lismore High Tiny Home Project, which was a response to the needs of the Northern Rivers community – the shortage of sustainable housing and tradespeople following the 2022 floods, and the desire to engage students with hands-on learning experiences

So far one student is completing a SBAT (School-based apprenticeships and traineeships) in construction while another has begun a full-time apprenticeship in cabinetmaking. Several others are looking for opportunities as apprentice electricians and in sheet metal or roofing.

Mr Williams said he was delighted by the community spirit and the number of people who willingly donated their time, sometimes over their paid work, to help the students.

“Our dedicated staff and local business community have been so generous with their time and support of the project and our students have gained so much from working with them,” he said.

“It’s been wonderful to see students learning industry-relevant skills and working with local tradies to create this amazing tiny home.”

The proceeds of the auction will go towards the next Lismore High Tiny Home project, which already has a new group of students ready to start.

Mr Williams said the school community had one big hope for their tiny home.

“Our desired outcome is for the successful bidder to love the tiny home with as much love that has gone into making it,” he said.