Historic banners restored for 160th anniversary celebrations
CELEBRATIONS for 160 years of education in Wedderburn next Tuesday will honour a legacy that has shaped generations and helped define the identity of a proud rural region.
From its earliest beginnings during the gold rush in 1865, education in Wedderburn has grown and evolved alongside the town.
What began as a modest schoolhouse built to serve a handful of children has developed into a thriving college that today supports more than 200 students, providing comprehensive education from Prep through to Year 12.
The week of celebrations - Tuesday is on the date of the first school’s opening - will revolve around the spirit of community, students, teachers, families, volunteers and local leaders who have shaped a school culture grounded in values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience.
Historic restored school house banners will be on display for the celebrations.
“Generations of dedicated staff have gone above and beyond to ensure students in Wedderburn receive a high-quality education, equal to any offered in metropolitan settings,” said principal Danny Forrest who has led Wedderburn College for the past five years.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone. It’s a testament to the enduring strength of our community and the passion of those who have supported education in Wedderburn across generations.
“From our staff and students to our volunteers and partners – this celebration belongs to all of you,” he said.
The 160th anniversary will be celebrated with a series of special events. These include opening ceremonies of new buildings, a past and present educators’ formal dinner, historical displays, the return of the Bloomfield picnic and guided school tours.
“These festivities not only reflect on the past but also celebrate the vibrant present and the future of learning at Wedderburn P12 College,” Mr Forrest said.
“The school has embraced innovation while staying true to its roots. In recent years, Wedderburn College has earned recognition for leading inclusive education practices, community partnerships, and student wellbeing programs. The school was recently awarded the Gold Standard in the School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) initiative – becoming the first P-12 school in Victoria’s North-West Region to do so.”
For Principal Forrest, there’s never been a better time to be part of Wedderburn College.
“Our students are engaged, our staff are exceptional, and our community is behind us. We’re building a future that honours our history while providing students with every opportunity to thrive. It’s an exciting time to be at Wedderburn,” he said.
“As the banners are raised and memories are shared, the 160th anniversary stands as a powerful reminder of what makes country education unique: strong values, strong relationships, and strong futures. Education has never been just about classrooms – it has always been about community.