Community & Business
11 May, 2026
Quinalow school celebrates 125 years
Governor of Queensland Dr Jeanette Young AC PSM came to cut the cake as over 400 people turned up to attend Quinalow State School’s 125th anniversary celebrations on Saturday, May 2nd.
Organisers had gone to great effort to recognise the history of the school, with a video presentation and a memorabilia display in the school’s media room.
In this room, visitors could read a disciplinary record of all the times corporal punishment had been administered at the school from the mid 1960s to the mid 1980s.
Food vans, a jumping castle, face painting and vintage games made it a day to remember.
Official proceedings were MC’d by former teacher and musician Kieren Lillis, who told those assembled that the school had produced many fine citizens over the years.
He cited ABC Radio newsreader Michael Bausch, who wrote the song “It’s Quiet in Quinalow Tonight”, as one example.
Governor of Queensland the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young, AC, PSM, gave the keynote address.
“It is a great pleasure for Graham and me to come to the Northern Downs to celebrate 125 years of Quinalow State School, which is fittingly located on Progress Street,” Her Excellency said.
“For 125 years, this school has educated the families of people who came from farms, local businesses and the surrounding towns.
“It has provided not only education but a sense of belonging.
“To the students of today, you carry forward its traditions and you will shape its future.”
Pat Weir MP for Condamine said the school had seen a resurgence following a decline in numbers to a point where where there had been only one student in Grade 10.
“To see that you now have ten Grade 10 Students is fantastic,” he said.
Today, Quinalow State School has 97 students, with 14 teachers, 6 teacher aides, 3 cleaners and 2 groundskeepers.
Principal Trish Luckock thanked those in attendance for coming along.
“There were 2000 people (at 75th anniversary celebrations) in 1976 and there are around 400 here today,” she said.
She acknowledged two of her staff members Elva Schefe and Susan Scheuerle, who had compiled a history book of the school.
Event organiser Rebecca Campbell thanked Ms Luckock for rallying the school behind the event, and her parents Royce and Del Jensen for getting the gardens in shape.
“(Here at Quinalow), We are a big family, we know each other’s business, and nothing is ever a secret for long,” she said.
“We work hard to ensure our students get the same opportunities as those in larger communities.”
