Bilingual Yuendumu School in the Red Centre celebrates five decades

Yuendumu School is celebrating half a century of bilingual education, with some big names acknowledging the milestone birthday.

The school celebrated 50 years with a ceremony which was featured traditional Purlapa and Yawulyu dances performed by students, awards to key contributors to the school’s proud history and more.

Award-winners included Yuendumu School assistant principal Yamurna (Nancy) Oldfield, who was recognised for her 40 years of service.

NT Senator Jacinta Price – who has a close connection to the school – said it played a “pivotal role educating children in Central Australia”.

“My personal connection with Yuendumu School is longstanding, with both of my parents having been educators there,” she said.

“For my own mother, it was a beacon of hope and was where she received the education that gave her the opportunities she needed to build the kind of life she wanted.

“Yuendumu School has and continues to play a pivotal role educating children in Central Australia, so they are given freedom of choice – the freedom to go on to choose how they will contribute to their communities and Australia more broadly.”

NT education and training minister Jo Hersey said the school hitting the half-century milestone “highlights the resilience of the community”.

“I congratulate everyone involved in the school’s success over the years,” she said.

“This milestone is more than a celebration of Yuendumu School’s past, it’s a reflection of the community’s ongoing commitment to keeping bilingual education strong for future generations.”