Bre Central Celebrates 150 years!

Mark Diamond Director of Educational Leadership team, Kim Hardy Senior Leader Community Engagement, Principal Jennifer Green and Uncle Morris Sullivan President Brewarrina AECG.. Photo TWH

Brewarrina Central School has celebrated 150 years of education with a multi-day program of events last week, honouring both its history and the enduring strength of the local community.

Principal Jenny Green, who began leading the school at the start of this year, said the milestone was not only about looking back but also recognising the resilience of a community that has always pulled together.

“From the very beginning, it’s obvious that this community pulls together to lobby for change to happen,” Ms Green said.

“While the community faces complex challenges from time to time, there is that capacity to realise that by working together and trying to talk things through, we can overcome significant, complex challenges. That’s a recurring theme throughout the school’s history.”

The first push for a school in Brewarrina came in 1871, when families began actively lobbying government officials. At the time, parents were required to raise part of the cost of construction and contribute to the teacher’s salary. By January 1875, enough students had been promised, land secured, and funds raised to begin work.

When advertisements for a teacher were placed, no qualified applicants were willing to relocate. Eventually, Mr Nicholson, who had some experience but no formal qualification, was appointed. Before starting, he travelled to Mudgee for two months of training before making the long, difficult journey by Cobb and Co coach through flood-affected country to reach Brewarrina. […]

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