UPDATE: On October 21, 2025, Wyreema State School celebrated its 130th anniversary with a vibrant community event, showcasing the school’s resilience and growth in the face of recent challenges. Just a few years ago, the institution faced the threat of closure, but Saturday’s festivities highlighted its significant impact on the local community.
The celebration brought together current and former students, staff, parents, and local dignitaries including Member for Condamine Pat Weir and Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald. The event was masterfully coordinated by Andrea Carthoys, president of the Wyreema State School P&C Association, who welcomed guests and introduced a series of performances.
Student Alicia Sly delivered a heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country, setting a respectful tone for the day. The school choir dazzled attendees with renditions of “Count On Me” and the original song “Wyreema Warriors,” capturing the spirit of the occasion.
Mayor McDonald officially opened the celebration, emphasizing the vital role small schools play in fostering community bonds. “Small schools are the heart of our community, where life-long memories are made,” he stated, commending the generations who have supported the institution’s legacy.
Pat Weir, who also serves as the Speaker in Queensland Parliament, echoed these sentiments, noting the school’s growth and the essential contributions made by the P&C Association. “You can’t underestimate the contribution the P&C makes,” he remarked, highlighting the collaborative effort that has sustained the school through the years.
Principal Sharon Wilson, who recently returned to Wyreema after 25 years, expressed deep gratitude for the P&C’s role in organizing the milestone celebrations. With personal ties to the school—her husband previously served as principal and her children are alumni—she reinforced the school’s commitment to its students, stating, “…you are the reason we are here.”
A poignant moment came with the presence of the school’s oldest surviving pupil, Eric Folker, aged 95. His son, Warren Folker, read a speech reflecting on Eric’s school experiences, bringing the audience to laughter and nostalgia.
This milestone marks not just a celebration of the past but a hopeful look toward the future of Wyreema State School. As the community rallies behind its educational institution, the legacy of learning and support continues to thrive.
Stay tuned for further developments as Wyreema State School embarks on its next chapter, solidifying its place at the heart of the community for generations to come.
