A NUMBER of Coolah Central School students will take the trip of a lifetime next month.
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The youngsters are preparing to travel 360km to attend this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show in April.
The school, from the state’s central west, was 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 pupils 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 has suffered two natural disasters.
In 2017, the Sir Ivan bushfires caused great devastation throughout the local community, followed by 18 months of crippling drought.
The 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 everyone.
School representative Kate Thompson said Coolah Central was thankful for the opportunity.
“We are extremely excited for this chance,” she explained.
“The kids have been through a lot with the Sir Ivan bushfires and the drought but this experience will really lift spirits.
“We are very appreciative. Thank you.”
General manager agriculture and Sydney Royal Easter Show Murray Wilton said program would offer wider support to students in rural NSW.
“The show is such a unique experience for the many who are fortunate enough to attend,” he added.
“It’s 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.”
The youngsters will attend the Sydney Royal Easter Show from April 15 to 18.
