Event of the Year goes to Glamorgan Vale State School P&C
Published on 26 January 2026
Glamorgan Vale State School P and C President Andrea Walk and Principal Aaron McDonnell received the 2026 Somerset Event of the Year award for the school’s 150th Anniversary Celebration.
GLAMORGAN Vale State School students, parents and teachers past and present reunited for a beautiful celebration of the small community’s rich history in education.
For their efforts, Somerset Regional Council awarded the Glamorgan Vale State School P and C with 2026 Somerset Event of the Year for its 150th Anniversary Celebration.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt presented the award at the Australia Day Awards Ceremony on Monday, 26 January at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk.
“The P and C worked tirelessly with the school, the community and businesses to make the 150th an event to remember,” Cr Wendt said.
“The event, held 30 August 2025, welcomed students, parents and teachers back to the small community with many far and wide.
“A free luncheon was offered for past principals and past students aged over 75, with attendees sharing old school stories and reminiscing days gone by.”
Cr Wendt said the P and C did a fantastic job organising activities for the anniversary.
“The P and C refurbished an old antique maypole which stood proudly on the event day, with students dancing and wrapping ribbons around the same maypole as generations before had done,” Cr Wendt said.
“Among other things, they created a 150th memorabilia book which highlighted the important role the school has maintained over the years.
“Students lead a parade of cars, horses, carts, tractors and the historical groups through town.
“The P and C also held its first Glamorgan Vale Australian Farmer Challenge with teams navigating farm obstacles and hay bales flying left and right in a race to be crowned the ultimate Glamorgan Vale Farmer.”
Cr Wendt said the once-in-a-lifetime event meant a great deal to the small community.
“There was a special dedication at the opening ceremony with a new school building being named after the late principal Troy Coombs, who often referred to Glamorgan Vale State School as ‘heaven on the hill’,” Cr Wendt said.
“The event brought a sense of belonging and unity for the people of Glamorgan Vale and inspired locals to return to their roots.
“Importantly, all profits made from this event went straight back towards supporting the school and the future stewards of Glamorgan Vale.
“Congratulations to the Glamorgan Vale State School P and C – the 150th Anniversary Celebration was an outstanding candidate for 2026 Somerset Event of the Year.
The Esk Bowls & Community Club’s ‘Dashie’ Races were also nominated for 2026 Somerset Event of the Year.