Coolah Central School students will take the trip of a lifetime, travelling 360km to this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show in April.
The school, from the State’s central west, has been selected as the lucky recipient of the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) of NSW Youth Group initiative, ‘All Roads to the Royal.’
Aimed at students from rural NSW, especially those who have never attended the Show, All Roads to the Royal was created to collect students from a regional high school and take them behind-the-scenes for an incredible four-day, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Transport, accommodation and meals are covered as is entry to the Show and ‘money can’t buy’ experiences.
This initiative will expose students to excellence in competition, meetings with industry leaders, eye-opening exhibitions, and educational displays.
In the past two years, the Coolah community and its surrounds has suffered two natural disasters.
In 2017, the Sir Ivan fires caused great devastation throughout the local community which was followed by 18 months of crippling drought.
Coolah Central School has seen student numbers decline and opportunities for educational excursions are extremely limited.
For the close-knit town of approximately 1200 people a ‘win’ such as this is a tremendous lift for the entire community.
Kate Thompson, a Coolah Central School representative said Coolah Central School are thankful for the opportunity,
“We are extremely excited for this opportunity," Kate said.
"The kids have been through a lot with the Sir Ivan fires and the drought, but this experience will really lift spirits.
"We are very appreciative. Thank you."
Murray Wilton, general manager, Agriculture and Sydney Royal Easter Show said the program will offer wider support to students in rural NSW.
“The Show is such a unique experience for the many who are fortunate enough to attend," Mr Wilton said.
"It is a day full of world-class competitions, celebrations of agriculture and jaw-dropping entertainment,
“All Roads to the Royal aims to address disproportionate access to the Show for rural students, those who are often geographically isolated.
"We hope this trip will inspire and facilitate opportunities in agriculture for Coolah Central School students, while providing them with an experience many of us take for granted.”
Coolah Central School students will attend the Sydney Royal Easter Show from April 15 – 18, 2019.
