October 1st, 2026, marks a very special milestone for Gundagai Public School as they celebrate 50 years since moving to their current location.
To honour this special occasion, the school says they have some exciting plans in motion, including a community fete on October 26 and the creation of a documentary that will take the town on a journey down memory lane by celebrating the people, stories and achievements that have shaped the school over the past five decades.
Gundagai Public School Principal Jesse Wheaton said they wanted to mark the occasion with a big event and get the community involved.
“October 26 will be a family fun day celebration which will be run by the school and the P&C.”
“There will be a heap of different activities happening on site including choirs and dance performances, as well as the hall will be transformed into a trip down memory lane, which will include a rolling documentary that Gundagai Public School kids and staff are developing including old photos and memorabilia. It will be a museum of Gundagai Public School over the last 50 years,” he said.
There will also be some musical performances showcasing the talents of the current students and staff.
“It’s a cool occasion and something we thought we would mark. It will be nice to get the community involved through all the stories and history,” said Jesse.
As part of the celebrations, students and staff designed some commemorative 50th anniversary staff polos which are now on display.
These unique designs were developed through a partnership between Uncle Pete and Gundagai Public School students and staff, reflecting the strong connection to Country, community and the environment.
“We are incredibly proud of the collaborative process behind their creation and the story they tell about our school. The designs tell the story of the river and the connection back to our local flora and fauna, and it brings all that messaging together,” said Jesse.
“Uncle Pete guided and let the kids take the lead during the design process, which was really cool.”
The school is currently asking the community for any old photographs, memorabilia, newspaper clippings, uniforms or other historical artefacts connected to Gundagai Public School by getting in touch via their email at Gundagai-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au. Items can also be dropped at the school office during open hours.
“We’d love to help preserve and share our rich history as part of our anniversary celebrations,” said Jesse.
“Thank you to our past and present students, families, staff and community members who have helped make Gundagai Public School such a special place over the last 50 years.”
Stay tuned for more information about the celebrations as the school honours their history, achievements and community spirit.
Emily Flint
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