Generational get-together at Bunnaloo

The day featured a barbecue lunch, musical performances from students, and a meaningful tree-planting ceremony — with a tree dedicated to every family at the school as a lasting symbol of their connection to the community.

Principal Darren Devereux said community support was vital to the school, with parents pitching in on hands-on projects such as the sandpit and outdoor eating area.

“Parents raise money and provide support and do things we just can’t always afford, but it allows us to provide the best education we can,” he said.

With 30 students currently enrolled and numbers expected to grow to 35 next year, the school continues to draw in families who feel a genuine and deep connection to the Bunnaloo community.

Mr Devereux emphasised the benefits of the rural school — the support from these close community connections.

“Coming to a small school is not a disadvantage,” he said.

“It gives them something different they can’t get anywhere else.

Mr Devereux said the school took enormous pride in seeing former students go on to rewarding careers spanning medicine, law, agriculture, hospitality and the trades — a testament to the strong foundations laid in Bunnaloo.

“We just try and set them up as best we can so they can do it,” he said.