After a busy NAIDOC program at the end of Term 2, excitement is building for Brewarrina Central School’s 150th anniversary celebrations in September.

Students painted banners and marched on Monday, June 30, and NAIDOC celebrations continued all week, with a community breakfast, an assembly and the Central Flames Knockout.

Now preparations are in full swing for the sesquicentenary, with a formal assembly and cake cutting planned for Thursday, September 18, and a Back to Bree Central Open Day the following Saturday.

Other activities will include a trivia quiz and big BBQ in the park.

Former students are being interviewed to capture perspectives across the decades – a deeply moving experience for Aunty Kim Hardy and Bec Johnson, who are visiting Elders and residents such as Paddy Norton.

Mr Norton offered insights about the school from his experiences in the lates 1930s and early 40s.

Alumni who may be able to assist in the planning or provide display items are encouraged to contact the school.

Meanwhile, other Term 2 highlights included an exceptional Mother’s Day event.

Morning tea was served with a generous side of love at Brewarrina Central School, as the young men from Clontarf and young women from the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy

(NASCA) turned the gratitude spotlight on the mums, aunties and grandmothers of the school community.

Executive Principal Jennifer Green was very proud of students and hard-working staff.

“Staff and students were planning and preparing for weeks,” she said.

“It was heart-warming to see such genuine affection and care taken in honouring the women who make an impact in our students’ lives.”

Smiles and hugs abounded, with students of all ages running to greet their loved ones, and it was particularly lovely to see six great grandmothers attend.

The day was captured with a sparkling photo booth.

Andrew McKenzie was proud of his Clontarf team who served morning tea with style.

New NASCA leader Doreen Murphy and her team of young women focused on decorations and the photo booth.

Together they did an amazing job preparing all the food and running the event.

A hardworking team led by Bec Johnson wrapped and distributed Mother’s Day Gifts for students to present to their special mums and nans on the weekend.

Deputy Principal Beck Williams said the atmosphere was lovely, from the morning tea and the gift stall, through to sharing learning journeys in the open classrooms.

“The day was a fabulous opportunity for parents and carers to see the great learning and social skills of our students,” Ms Williams said.

“We are very proud of them all.”