Representatives of 39 public schools in the Bathurst Network attended the launch including principals, parents, students and special guests.

Director of Schools Peter Harvey said Education Week celebrates public education and the fantastic work of teachers and students in the district’s schools.

He said he was excited that Bathurst was hosting the event in conjunction with Bathurst200 celebrations.

Mr Harvey said this year’s Education Week theme is Celebrating Local Heroes. 

One of Bathurst’s Living Legends, 90-year-old Alex Bedwell, was a key speaker.

In keeping with the theme, Mr Bedwell spoke to students about school life in Bathurst when he was a boy. 

Mr Harvey said five local government areas were represented yesterday – Bathurst, Blayney, Oberon, Mudgee and Lithgow.

“All our schools will be having special activities this week and we encourage

members of the community to celebrate what our schools have to offer,” he said.

Guests at the launch were welcomed to the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre by performers from Kelso High School’s Cirkus Surreal.

Once inside, aerialists dressed in gold twisted above the crowd on shimmering ribbons in a stunning display of skill and theatre. 

A group of girls from West Bathurst Public School performed a traditional clearing dance, followed by a welcome dance performed by the boys. 

Ella Jean Tobin from Eglinton Public School performed the welcome to country alongside local Aboriginal elder Gloria Rogers. 

Bathurst Regional Council mayor Gary Rush said the city was a centre of education excellence, and something that was a credit to principals and the Bathurst Network.

He said their continued pursuit of educational excellence is second-to-none. 

Cr Rush also praised for P & C Associations and said schools could not do what they do without their support.

In all close to 300 students performed for parents and special guests. 

Education Week runs until July 31.