A special group of NSW public school students got to bring the new year in with a bang after their invite to Admiralty House also scored them some time with the Prime Minister and Governor General.

Public Education Scholarship recipients from Fairfield High School, Miller Technology High School and Prestons Public School were joined by family and staff members for the occasion as Sydneysiders counted down to 2025.

What started out as an opportunity to meet the Governor General, her Excellency Sam Mostyn AC and to watch the 9pm fireworks, got some added sparkle when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese popped by for a quick visit.

A student from each of the three schools delivered an address of thanks on the evening while their principals also received a Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia medallion.

Lilian Meli, who graduated from Fairfield High School in 2024, said it was a great privilege to get a public education scholarship.

The south-west Sydney school caters for 1300 students and has an Intensive English Centre for refugee and new arrivals students to Australia and a Special Education Unit.

It supports students from diverse cultural and sometimes disadvantaged backgrounds and gives them opportunities to thrive, succeed and shine.

“As a scholarship recipient, I’d like to acknowledge and thank the Public Education Foundation for their scholarship which supported me in my final year of schooling, attaining the HSC, which has now opened doors to tertiary education,” she said.

“The Public Education Foundation’s scholarship program has been nothing short of life-changing for students like me and numerous others who have attended not only Fairfield High School, but public primary and high schools.

“These scholarships are more than financial assistance - they represent belief, opportunity, and hope. They remind us that no matter where we come from, we can aspire, and we do have the potential to achieve, contribute and succeed.”

Fairfield High School Relieving Principal Natalie Isakov said: “It was a wonderful evening and experience for students, their families, our schools and public education.

“Sincere thanks and humble acknowledgment goes to her excellency the Governor-General, the Public Education Foundation and the Aide-de-Camp to the Governor General for such a memorable and once-in-a-life-time experience.”