Freestone State School community comes together to celebrate 150th anniversary

The tight-knit community just outside Warwick turned out in style to mark their school’s 150th anniversary, marking the town’s proud history and journey.

The tight-knit Freestone community has turned out in force to mark Freestone State School’s 150th anniversary, bringing together former students and family members from across generations to mark the milestone.

Dozens from across the Warwick area and beyond made the trip to celebrate the school’s century-and-a-half of history from 1870 to 2020, with the original anniversary celebrations last year postponed due to Covid.

From faster-paced events such as potato sack races and a jumping castle to a vintage car and memorabilia display, each element of the festivities was designed to pay homage to Freestone’s country heritage.

The communal tea and coffee area soon proved a hub for former students and families from across the decades to catch up and reminisce, including Norm and Verlie Madsen who estimated they might have been the oldest alumni in attendance.

Only nine years old and a Freestone student when World War II broke out, Mr Madsen said he remembered trenches being dug around the school to safeguard students and that many of the surrounding properties didn’t even have power.

Fellow Freestone alumni Lynne Madsen, Dolour King, and Deirdre Hall all noted how the school had grown from a single building, toilets, and a few paddocks to the thriving hub it is today.

Check out our event gallery below:

GALLERY: Community celebrates Freestone State School 150th anniversary

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