Moama Grammar celebrates 20 years of growth

By Ryan Bellingham

May 8, 2025

Moama Anglican Grammar School hit a major milestone this week. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Moama Anglican Grammar School is celebrating its 20-year anniversary, marking the occasion with a special foundation day assembly.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

On Wednesday, May 7, the entire school gathered to commemorate, joined by founding board members, families and prominent community figures.

School captains Emma Mitchell and Michael Williams were the event’s emcees, and principal Scott Downward delivered an opening speech, praising the many volunteers and founding members of the school.

School captain Michael Williams. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Principal Scott Downward. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

“We are all fortunate to be part of a thriving, vibrant and highly successful school, and a school community full of talented, caring and passionate staff, students, families, volunteers and alumni,” he said.

Chair of the founding board Deanne Firth spoke about the school’s humble beginnings, reflecting on the journey of the eight founding members.

Chair of the founding board Deanne Firth. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

“All we had was this desire to have a school in Moama, and that’s what started us off,” she said.

“It didn’t matter that we didn’t have money, we didn’t have experience, we didn’t have anything. We had an idea and a passion.”

After much work, Ms Firth said the group was able to secure land and a building with help from Murray River Council, then hired a principal and began accepting enrolments.

The school opened in 2005, operating out of two classrooms in a demountable building, and had 16 Year 7 students enrolled.

Today, the school has over 700 students from Kindergarten to Year 12, a modern campus, a second campus at Gunbower Estate and a new gymnasium on the way.

“To see how much it’s grown and how much it’s changed out here has been really amazing,” Ms Firth said.

Founding student Monique Smith spoke about the unique experience of being part of the school’s first cohort and its impact on her life.

Founding student Monique Smith. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

“The opportunities for leadership, to serve on different committees, and being part of a school community like Moama Grammar gave us the confidence and a really good foundation moving forward,” she said.

Deputy chair of the board Dr Sydney Paul said it was a privilege to be part of a school born from passion.

Deputy chair of the board Dr Sydney Paul. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

“As we look around, we can certainly say that the dream has taken deep roots and continues to blossom,” he said.

“We have certainly come a long way, but our journey is far from over.”

Captain Emma Mitchell and school chaplain Tim Bowles gave speeches about their time at the school, and Christ Church Anglican senior minister Phil Zamagias delivered a litany.