WEDDERBURN College has honoured its history and the legacy of staff over 160 years during its week-long celebrations last week.
Classrooms and buildings have been named to recognise their service to the community and follows the earlier naming of the revamped leisure centre as Steel Stadium.
The primary centre now carries names of Tanya Chalmers and Diedre McKenzie who principal Danny Forrest said were “without question, the heart of Wedderburn College—two extraordinary educators whose passion, loyalty, and lifelong friendship have left an indelible mark on our school community”. 
“Across decades of dedicated service, their commitment to the students, families, and staff of Wedderburn has never wavered.
“Remarkably, both remain as enthusiastic and passionate today as they were when they first stepped into a classroom.”
The science centre honoured former student Jo White is currently the director of Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre, where she is inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators. 
Jo was guest speaker at Thursday night’s official dinner where she paid tribute two teachers Moira Moody and Bridget Verwey for inspiring her to follow a career path in science.
The principal’s office recognises Margaret-Anne Wright who worked in senior leadership roles at the college for more than 20 years.
Mike Hanrahan, who was principal for 12 years was given the honour of cutting the 160th birthday cake and later saw a new award recognising long-serving staff jointly carry his name,
The traditions of Wedderburn were not forgotten during Thursday’s dinner when new staff were presented with a copy of the Albert Jacka biography. Jacka, from Wedderburn, was the first Australian awarded the Victoria Cross in World War Two.
Celebrations also had an eye to the future with an official sod turning for the new early learning centre at the college expected to open next year and end the Loddon Shire’s child care drought.
Ripon MP Martha Haylett said: “Local mums, dads, and grandparents have championed getting the new early learning centre in Wedderburn and I have been so proud to work with them to get it done. It will be a game changer to finally have child care options in the Loddon Shire, and to help local kids get the best start in life.”
“As a working mum, I know how much it takes a village to raise a child and how necessary child care is to help juggle it all. I cannot wait to see the new centre complete, so more local parents can enjoy the benefits of affordable childcare close to home.”
Principal Danny Forrest said there were plans for a history book on education in Wedderburn with Daryl Arnott and Alan Mulraney contributing to a planned 2027 release.