More than 700 students from across NSW have travelled to the state’s far north-west for the annual Goodooga Indigenous Games, celebrating Aboriginal culture through traditional games.

Students from Nowra, Muswellbrook, Oak Flats and the Western Plains have made the journey to Goodooga Central School, where they are competing across nine rounds of traditional Indigenous games adapted using modern equipment.

Goodooga Central School Principal, Malcolm Banks, said the event gave students an opportunity to immerse themselves in culture while forming friendships with peers from across the state.

“It’s a huge cultural experience for students,” Mr Banks said.

“All the games are traditional Indigenous games that have been played for generations, but we’re using modern equipment.”

Executive Director, Regional, Rural, Remote and Unique Settings Directorate, Dean White, said it was apt the games fall during Public Education Week, the theme of which is “inspiring excellence”.

“The effort from a small school and town, that’s what it is, excellent.” Mr White said.

“The coordination that goes into this event is just sensational, and to see how smoothly everything flows, when all of these teachers and kids have come together from all over NSW, is just an absolute testimony to how good public education is.”

Deputy Secretary of Rural and Regional Health Luke Sloane said the Health and Wellbeing Hub gave students access to services including dental checks, mental health support and health screenings, while also introducing them to careers in health.

“The hub not only provides important health services but also gives students an insight into the wide range of careers available in health,” Mr Sloane said.

Year 9/10 students Acadia Burn and Pippa Gilmour travelled five hours from Wellington High School, with their NASCA (National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy) team to take part in the games.

“The best part is meeting other people, and getting to go back home and tell everyone,” Acadia said.

“If I had to describe Goodooga Indigenous Games in one word, it would be, ‘inspiring’. We get to come together but we also get to keep traditional games alive”.

The annual event is one of the biggest logistical undertakings for the small remote community, whose population, in the hundreds, can swell well over 1000.

Goodooga Central School Principal Malcolm Banks said it was a great way to round out the week after recognition.

“The whole community is involved; everyone knows their job, and everyone does it and they’re absolutely first class in what they do,”

“So much so that last Monday, I had to travel to Sydney, to the NSW Public Education Awards, where the school was recognised for its outstanding school achievement, and we earned the recognition for our Indigenous Games.”