Gunbalanya School celebrates a Century of two-way education in the remote Top End

19 September 2025

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is continuing to strive for better remote education outcomes, with Minister for Education and Training Jo Hersey today visiting Gunbalanya to celebrate 100 years of two-way education with the community.

The Centenary event today brought together current and former students and teachers, with school students creating an exhibition that reflects the history and present-day life of the school comprising historical school photos, aircraft that have visited the school and memories of teachers who have shaped the school’s journey.

Minister for Education and Training Jo Hersey took the opportunity to tour the school and the Trades Training Centre while in Gunbalanya and congratulated the community for their commitment to education.

“Since the CLP came to Government, Gunbalanya School has received an extra $1.9 million in funding through the Better Fairer Schools Agreement,” she said.

“We want to see that extra money translate into improved school attendance rates and better literacy and numeracy levels."

Gunbalanya School attendance in Term 2 2025 was 41.5%, compared to 36.9% in Term 2 2024.

“Two-way education is important for communities like Gunbalanya to ensure we have culturally appropriate classrooms kids want to be in." she added.

One of the School’s highlights was in 2004 when Gunbalanya School won a Best Film award for “The Echidna & The Turtle”.

Gunbalanya School Principal Sue Trimble said: “This Centenary Celebration represents 100 Years of School Education but also honours the many thousands of years that Bininj people have formally and informally shared their knowledge wealth within cultural teaching and learning practices.

“We are thrilled to welcome previous educators and families back to Gunbalanya to share their connection and experiences.”

Media contact – Zac Webster – 0418 670 192

Photo 1: (L to R) Gunbalanya School Principal Sue Trimble, Minister for Education and Training Jo Hersey, Department of Education and Training Chief Executive Susan Bowden and Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls
Photo 2: Board members Hagar and Renee with Minister Hersey
Photo 3: Morning church service
Photo 4: Centenary celebrations