A short history of Columboola
The word Columboola is believed to be a corruption of the aboriginal word Kurrumboola, meaning white cockatoo – 'place of plenty white cockatoo' along the creek banks. This area was originally the home of the Burrunggam tribe.
The Columboola Provisional School was opened in July 1896, with an attendance of 20 pupils. The Provisional School was officially gazetted on 23 October 1896 and in 1909 became the Columboola State School. The school operated on and off until 1942 when it was closed and the facilities were used by the civilian guard and the USA Army personnel, who were connected to the ammunition storage facility on Cameby Downs.
The 'second school' (the first having been removed to Miles State School) was opened on 23 October 1954, exactly 58 years after the first school opened.
Columboola State School closed in 1978, and over the next few years became a Multi-purpose Learning Centre, a Field Study Centre and finally an Environmental Educational Centre in 1991.
Taken from History of Columboola - Ken Robb, 1996