Response to ACCC product recall of coloured sand used in schools and early learning centres

Published 14 November 2025

The Department of Education and Training has informed early childhood education and care services, schools, parents and carers of a product recall issued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission that several brands of decorative, coloured sand may contain asbestos.

While NT WorkSafe has identified the risk is low, the safety of our schools is our highest priority and the department is taking a cautious approach.

As at 3:30 pm, Friday 14 November 2025, the following 41 schools have confirmed that they have these products:

• Acacia Hill School
• Ampilatwatja School
• Bakewell Primary School
• Barunga School
• Bees Creek Primary School
• Bradshaw Primary School
• Braitling Primary School
• Canteen Creek School
• Driver Primary School
• Durack Primary School
• Forrest Parade School
• Girraween Primary School
• Gunbalanya School
• Jilkminggan School
• Karama Primary School
• Kintore Street School
• Lajamanu School
• Laramba School
• Larrakeyah Primary School
• MacFarlane Primary School
• Malak Primary School
• Milingimbi School
• Moil Primary School
• Moulden Park Primary School
• Nemarluk School
• Newcastle Waters School
• Nganambala School
• Nightcliff Primary School
• Parap Primary School
• Pine Creek School
• Sadadeen Primary School
• Stuart Park Primary School
• Urapunga School
• Wagaman Primary School
• Wallace Rockhole School
• Wanguri Primary School
• Willowra School
• Woodroffe Primary School
• Wugularr School
• Yulara School
• Zuccoli Primary School.

Schools remain open, however some classrooms will be isolated if required to allow testing and remediation to occur. This may include cleaning over the weekend.

We will follow all advice from NT WorkSafe and recommendations from licenced asbestos contractors.

Parents are advised that they may also have these products around the home. Parents should refer to the recall notice on the ACCC Product Safety website to ensure they respond appropriately.

This situation is evolving, and we thank the schools and members of the public for their understanding. The Department of Education and Training will continue to keep families and schools informed.

View the NT WorkSafe Product Safety Recall on coloured sand contaminated with asbestos.