Yuendumu School turns 50, celebrates five decades of bilingual learning

A Red Centre school has reached an impressive milestone, celebrating half a century of bilingual education, and some big names have weighed in on it. Find out more.

Members of the Yuendumu community proudly acknowledged for their contribution to bilingual education on March 5, 2025, when Yuendumu School celebrated 50 years of bilingual education. Picture: Supplied

Yuendumu school is celebrating half a decade of delivering bilingual education, and some big names have weighed in on the milestone being reached.

The school celebrated 50 years on Wednesday with a ceremony which was featured traditional Purlapa and Yawulyu dances performed by students, awards to key contributors of the schools history, and more.

Yuendumu School Assistant Principal Yamurna (Nancy) Oldfield with her Certificate of Recognition. Picture: Supplied

Yuendumu School assistant principal Yamurna (Nancy) Oldfield was recognised for her 40 years of service, with others also getting an award.

NT Senator Jacinta Price – who has a close connection to the school – said it plays a “pivotal role educating children in Central Australia”.

“My personal connection with Yuendumu School is longstanding, with both of my parents having been educators there,” she said.
“For my own mother, it was a beacon of hope and was where she received the education that gave her the opportunities she needed to build the kind of life she wanted.

The Yuendumu community celebrated Yuendumu School's 50th anniversary bilingual of education with a large cake. Picture: Supplied

“Yuendumu School has and continues to play a pivotal role educating children in Central Australia so they are given freedom of choice – the freedom to go on choose how they will contribute to their communities and Australia more broadly.”

NT education and training minister Jo Hersey said the school hitting the half-decade milestone “highlights the resilience of the community”.

“I congratulate everyone involved in the school’s success over the years,” she said.

“This milestone is more than a celebration of Yuendumu School’s past, it’s a reflection of the community’s ongoing commitment to keeping bilingual education strong for future generations.”

Originally published as Yuendumu School turns 50, celebrates five decades of bilingual learning