Nimbin Central formal photos: Fond farewells of tight-knit community

After the brutal impact of Covid-19 on this year’s crop of school leavers, the Nimbin community gave a mighty last hurrah to their class of 2021. See their stunning photos.

Nimbin Central is one of 12 high schools within the Lismore region to unleash the next generation.

Graduates attended their Year 12 formal on Friday, December 3.

Nimbin Central Year 12 Formal 2021 L-R: Tiff Wiblen (Year Adviser), Sera Hill, Josiah Cumberlege, Angel Hainsworth, Izabella Demkin-French, Beth Cooper-Wares, Connor Lindh-Jaspers, Harry Jobson, Josh Searle, Alex Ryffel-Hughes, Nyah Finegan-Shrivell, Kia Potts, Tom Davies, Aden Morgan, Kiani Tribolet, Tjala Nguyen, Indigo Strachan, Oscar Hill, Tau Gorman, Maddie O'Brien, Archie Roberts, Opal Dowsett, James Anglin, Bonnie Whitney, Declan Dixon.

Year 12 Adviser Tiffany Wiblen said it had been a difficult two years for this graduating cohort.

“We study under a Compressed Curriculum model which means they complete their HSC over 2 years (3 subjects in 2020 then 3 in 2021),” Ms Wiblen said.

Covid-19 had a significant impact and many students felt it had been a challenging two years.

But Ms Weblin said the overall results have indicated the perseverance of the graduating class.

“Even though it is a little hard to tell just yet without their final exam results, most of the students came out of their exams feeling positive,” she said.

Nimbin Central Year 12 Formal 2021 L-R: Kia Potts, Indigo Strachan, Maddie O'Brien, Kiani Tribolet, Opal Dowsett.

Nimbin Central had to cancel its original plans for their formal due to Covid leaving the staff and students with only three weeks to wrangle the formal together at the very end of the year.

“The entire Nimbin community helped us to make the night special,” Ms Weblin said.

“We had our own red carpet and helium balloons, beautiful decorations, local catering, our own students entertaining and a fantastic photo booth.

Nimbin Central Year 12 Formal 2021 L-R: Beth Cooper-Wares, Izabella Demkin-French, Kiani Tribolet, and Bonnie Whitney.

“We tried to make it as special as possible given we were unable to have parents attend.”

Staff at Nimbin Central said having spent the past two years completing the HSC under some difficult circumstances has made the group even more ready to take on the world outside of school.

“They have developed a strong resilience as well as some wonderful relationships with one another and their teachers that I’m sure will last a lifetime,” Ms Weblin said.