Principal Sheree Burnham said the Expo was a chance to invite the community into the school and highlight some of the achievements of students.

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She explained that the school’s success derives from its commitment to providing a nurturing environment which fosters well-rounded individuals.

“The school continues to achieve remarkable academic success, impressive sporting achievements and is committed to encouraging students to engage and contribute positively to society,” Ms Burnham told NOTA.

“Additionally, the arts program provides students with opportunities to express their creativity and talent,” she said.

First opening its doors in 1950 the NSW Government-run school currently has close to 400 students.

It boasts several well-known alumni including cricketer Phillip Hughes, past MasterChef winner Billie McKay and footballer Greg Inglis.

Others, like former Nambucca Valley Mayor Rhonda Hoban and Australia’s current Ambassador to Palau, Richelle Turner, may not be as well-known on the national stage, but have held influential positions and contributed much to society.

The pivotal role the school has played in the Nambucca Valley over the past three quarters of a century is also demonstrated in the number of past students who return to the school as teachers, parents or both.

“I went to this school, now I teach here and I can see several of my past teachers in the room at the moment,” said Ms Amanda Hill, one of the school’s English teachers, as she introduced the school’s debate team.

The main venue of the Expo was the school’s original asphalt quadrangle, but visitors were invited to wander freely around the site.

What began in 1950 as a small cluster of classrooms and a long verandah, grouped around the centrally located quad, now includes several two and three storey blocks, many more classrooms, science laboratories and a stadium.

The original school hall is no longer there but was once a place where the wider community gathered to recite plays and hear musical performances.

“Our school has a lot of traditions, but we’ve had to move with the times too,” Ms Burnham said in a short address made in the school’s library, before inviting 2025 School Captain Elijah Blair to deliver a welcoming speech in the local Gumbaynggirr language.

Current students recited a selection of poetry written by the school’s past students before inviting visitors to peruse an exhibition of the many literary works created by the school and its students over the years.

Other attractions on offer were performances by the school’s bands, a science lesson in one of the laboratories, and karaoke set up in the Japanese classroom.

There was a free sausage sizzle and visitors were invited to meet the new calves on show in the school’s farm.The day was an opportunity to relive past memories and achievements while celebrating the great work of current students and teachers.

By Ned COWIE