Historic Wyrallah Public School names library in celebration of community stalwart, former student Wilfred ‘Fred’ Hoskins

Fred Hoskins, 90, is an inspiration. The former Lifeline counsellor, boilermaker and more has encouraged generations of children after he “made the journey” to class “on horseback back in 1940”.

Fred and Olwyn Hoskins with Wyrallah Public School Principal Lisa Fahy at the naming of the library on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied

A sizeable crowd has gathered at Wyrallah Public School in the Northern Rivers to honour a former student whose “kindness, creativity, and dedication” helped shape the village community in “countless ways”.

Wilfred ‘Fred’ Hoskins’ “unwavering love for education and our community” means the 90-year-old has made a massive impact on the school – and the school’s library has now been renamed to the Fred Hoskins Library.

Wyrallah Public P & C backed the tribute to the self-proclaimed lifelong learner, who attended library naming celebrations at the school on Wednesday. The event included students, school staff, P & C members, state Lismore MP Janelle Saffin and others.

A sketch of the original school building as it was in 1939 by Fred Hoskins.

Known to all as Fred – we’re told Wilfred was “too medieval” for his liking – Mr Hoskins has long been a stalwart in Wyrallah, a village about 11 kilometres south of regional hub Lismore in northern NSW.

A man who often shies away from the limelight, Mr Hoskins said he had been honoured in a way he never thought would happen.

Mr Hoskins and his wife Olwyn taught scripture (or special religious education) at Wyrallah Public School for more than three decades, until 2019.

Local legend Fred Hoskins and Olwyn Hoskins with the Wyrallah Public School students he visits regularly to encourage their learning. Picture: Ben Griffin

He has contributed to building efforts at the school, donates macadamia nuts from his farm and regularly attends barbecues and other community events for the school.

Throughout his life, Mr Hoskins has worked as a dairy farmer, truck driver, timber cutter, boilermaker, steelworker, soldier and singer. The man of many talents has also helped build a bridge, undertook national service and was a Lifeline counsellor.

Mr Hoskins’ much-loved school was established as Tucki Tucki School in 1867 and renamed four years later.

Fred Hoskins, 90, the man of honour at Wyrallah Public School for the ceremony. Picture: Ben Griffin

Wyrallah Public proudly pitches itself as the oldest continuously operating school in the Lismore district – its marking a 157 year milestone this month.

Wyrallah Public School principal Lisa Fahy said Mr Hoskins embodied the school spirit and that of the village.

“When Fred first made the journey to Wyrallah Public School on horseback back in 1940, no one probably could have imagined that, 85 years later, he would still be an integral and important part of our school community,” she said.

Mr Hoskins said: “It’s the association with the community, that’s what keeps me going.”

“I love children, sitting down with them and encouraging them to learn. They all treat me with respect,” he said.

School P & C president Nathan Rose, Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, Fred Hoskins and Wyrallah Public School Principal Lisa Fahy. Picture: Ben Griffin

Admittedly a “naughty kid” who was disciplined regularly in his younger days, Mr Hoskins said he felt it was a “big thing” to own up and “take responsibility” for actions.

Mr Hoskins continues to document the rich history of the school and has inspired generations of children by sharing stories of his own school days back in a totally different era.

Mr Hoskins said he had a “good life – and I’m still learning”.

He offered up some advice: “It all boils down to a purpose-driven life.”

Mr Hoskins said he hoped about 4000 books available for the school’s 34 kindy to year 6 students would help encourage the kids to “use their imagination” and learn along the way.

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