Mackay West State School Centenary celebrates 100 years

The community has come together to celebrate 100 years of Mackay West State School, including a former principal who saw Gough Whitlam visit in 1974 while he was a student.

The community has come together to celebrate 100 years of West Mackay State High School, including a former principal who saw Gough Whitlam visit in 1974 while he was a student.

We all learn important lessons at school, but one lucky student loved learning so much he grew up to become principal of his alma mater.

Former principal Doug Sturgeon was once a grade seven ‘milk monitor’ at Mackay West State School, so to celebrate its centenary he shared a flashback to 1974 when then-PM Gough Whitlam popped in for a visit.

“I very clearly recall the arrival of men in suits followed by Mr Whitlam alighting from a Mercedes,” he said.

Historic: politics: Politicians The Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, gives a child a soft drink when he called at Biddle's Hotel at the eastern end of Victoria Street during a 1974 Mackay visit. The hotel was alter destroyed by fire. Photo Daily Mercury Archives

“Mr Whitlam then addressed the gathering from the veranda of A Block (MWISS) where he spoke without a microphone and had the undivided attention of all in attendance.”

Mackay West was opened as South Ward State School in 1924 by mayor Arthur Williams, also a former editor of the Daily Mercury.

Mr Sturgeon had “fond memories” of attending both the 75th and 50th school anniversaries, the latter being when the prime minister came to visit.

Former Mackay West State School principal and former student Doug Sturgeon next to the sign for the Doug Sturgeon Performing Arts Centre. Photo: Contributed

“If I was to summarise how I feel about Mackay West State School, the word ‘pride’ would be uppermost in my mind,” Mr Sturgeon said.

“I was constantly proud of the students’ achievements, talents, skills, manners, behaviour and attitude towards their learning.

“I have infinite treasured memories of my time at West.”

The school will host an official event on Friday May 24 at 9am with a time capsule, cake, and a static display of its history.

Historic: West Mackay Primary School students on a field trip in April 1980 took advantage of the service provided by Roylen Cruises. The fairmile-class vessel, pictured, was berthed inside the Mackay Harbour south wall. Photo Daily Mercury Archives

The traditional Mayfair event on Saturday from 4 to 8pm will have amusement rides, market stalls, raffles, food vendors, student art, and a maypole - all with free entry.

There is even a series of Mackay West Centenary merchandise available for purchase at several events over the weekend, including a tote bag, tea towel, and can cooler.

Most importantly, a Mackay West State School Centenary book features a comprehensive history contributed by historian Dr Lyall Ford and other stories from 1924 onwards with full colour images.