Cancer cluster fears at Sydney school prompt premier to order health audit

NSW Premier Chris Minns has ordered a health audit of Blakehurst High School in Sydney’s south after 7NEWS exposed a potential cancer cluster among teaching staff.

Minns has promised to leave no stone unturned as teachers who were told to stay quiet speak out while battling tumours.

Deb Fabrizio, a science teacher of 14 years, is fighting breast cancer and says she’s haunted by her time at Blakehurst High. She quit in February after raising concerns about staff falling ill.

The head science teacher before her, Linda O’Brien, passed away in 2023.

“She was my best friend,” Fabrizio said.

When asked how many teachers have been diagnosed, Fabrizio revealed: “We had, I don’t know if I’m allowed to say this, but three head teachers in a row with breast cancer.”

7NEWS understands there are more cases among staff.

“It’s either a cluster or it’s extraordinarily bad luck. Like, you know, that’s a curse level there,” Fabrizio said.

When she spoke up about the discovery of asbestos on the school grounds, staff were warned: “We need to keep this within our community. It will be a code of conduct issue if this leaks.”

The asbestos has since been removed.

“You felt ignored?” she was asked.

When asked if she felt ignored, Fabrizio replied, “Oh, absolutely.”

The school sits in the heart of the premier’s own electorate.

“We’re not going to leave any stone unturned. I’ve asked questions personally,” Minns said.

Initial testing of the science facilities, including the storeroom, prep room, break rooms and science labs, came back all clear.

A NSW Health investigation has now been ordered, moving into epidemiological research.

Fabrizio says she won’t be quiet any longer. “It’s about speaking up at work so other people don’t get hurt,” she said.