Community
30 June, 2024
100 Reasons to smile
'Gazza's Gossip' There have been a number of big anniversary celebrations in the Douglas Shire recently, but none better than last week’s 100th birthday of the Daintree State School.
Not satisfied with just a single day of celebrations, the hard-working organisers, led by school principal Jacqui Osborne, spent over a year planning a weekend of activities for the whole community that attracted over 400 people through all events.
“Every single event exceeded our expectations,” said Ms Osborne.
“We had visitors from all over Queensland, with some past principals making an appearance and over 400 people attending throughout the weekend.
“It was overwhelming for me, the staff and volunteers to see the community’s response. We were worried we had bit off more than we could chew but it was quite moving to see the result.”
Friday night was an excellent opportunity for past and present staff and pupils to share stories at a meet and greet evening held at the much-loved Daintree Village Hotel.
As many very well know, the Daintree Village and surrounds suffered dreadfully because of Cyclone Jasper and subsequent heavy rainfall, so this was an ideal chance to put those memories to one side and have some fun.
In fact, rain was the last thing on people’s minds, as the weather put on a great show for the Saturday family fun day, which included the opening of a previously buried time capsule, the cutting of a magnificent anniversary cake, an ‘anything goes’ competition, plus many other fun events.
“We had local charities like Cancer Council, the hospital foundation, the local Rotary club and CWA ladies on the family fun day and their stalls were very successful in fundraising. So, it was a win-win for everyone,” Ms Osborne said.
A new time capsule is due to be buried soon.
Saturday night was an opportunity to dress up in a more formal centenary ball, which was followed up on Sunday morning with the appropriate ‘recovery breakfast’ and a day of cricket in the winter sun.
Fortunately, the busy weekend was also followed by school holidays, so both staff, parents and students have had the chance to recuperate after a special three days.
With a pleasingly large number in attendance, everyone had a fabulous time and is now looking forward to another successful 100 years.
I’m off to propose a toast to the Daintree State School, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au | Additional reporting by Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
