FINALIST PROFILE QLD

Published On: October 8th, 2025

Bullyard State School (Grades 1-6)

A Rich History & Close-Knit Community

Bullyard State School opened in 1901, named after the cattle yards that once stood across the road.
Its logo tells the story of the school’s roots: a tractor symbolising sugar cane farming, a bull representing local cattle mustering, and a book for education. For more than a century, families have sent their children here, and many traditions still link the school back to its proud rural history.

With just 29 students, Bullyard thrives on its small size. Everyone knows each other, and values such as Respect, Responsibility, Safety, and Learner—collectively known as the Bullyard Beetle Way—guide how students and staff interact with each other and the environment. The Bullyard Beetle Way embodies the idea that even the smallest creature can have a big impact. At the school, older students look after younger ones, and the entire community functions like one big family.

The school is also known for its community achievements and playful creativity. “Two years in a row we have been given two fibreglass goats from the Ekka to decorate, and both times one of our painted goats placed third! We’re also proud that for four years running we won Champion School at the Ekka, which shows just how strong our little community is,” teach Alex Price shared.

The school has a strong connection to its local area being part of Bundaberg’s rich food-producing region. Sugar cane, cattle, fresh fruit, and vegetables are spread across the landscape, and these ties to the land are mirrored in the school’s gardens, orchards, and sustainability projects.

PROGRESS PHOTOS

Sustainability in Action

Sustainability at Bullyard is hands-on and integrated into everyday life. Students plant and care for gardens, harvest produce for classroom platters, and maintain worm farms, using the nutrient-rich “liquid gold” to nourish plants. The school’s fruit orchard—growing passionfruit, tomatoes, and strawberries—supports the school food program, while sensory garden beds contribute to wellbeing.

Students take turns leading tasks such as watering, weeding, planting, mulching, and checking the worm farms. Learning is collaborative: teachers guide, but students also teach each other. Everyone shares responsibility, turning sustainability into a practical, community-driven experience.

Over the years, the school has expanded its sustainability efforts from a few garden beds and a wild forest area into a fully integrated program. Milestones include the creation of worm farms, development of the arboretum, and establishment of the orchard. “Through gardens, worm farms, and orchards, students aren’t just learning theory—they’re designing, creating, and leaving something behind for future generations,” said Alex

Students see the results of their work first-hand—proudly eating the passionfruit they planted or explaining how worm farms recycle scraps—building tangible knowledge while supporting biodiversity.

The Mural – Celebrating Bullyard

In celebration of its upcoming 125th anniversary, Bullyard State School joined the Paint Australia Beautiful campaign. The mural captures the school’s story: the arboretum and gardens, native bees, the iconic Bullyard beetles, worm farms, school houses Fraser and Clarke, and the first school building still in use today.

Students contributed ideas and illustrations, with even the youngest adding their drawings. Families, staff, and community volunteers helped bring the design to life, creating a vibrant mural that tells the story of Bullyard—who they are, where they’ve come from, and what makes them unique.

The artwork features symbols that reflect the school’s identity and values:

Bullyard beetles – resilience and unique character
Arboretum and gardens – connection to the land and food sustainability
Native bees – highlighting biodiversity and small but vital contributors to the ecosystem, just like the students
Orchard – learning through cultivation and care
First school building – celebrating the school’s 1901 beginnings
Fraser and Clarke teams – school spirit and belonging

Each element embodies the school’s eco-vision, showing how students actively care for the environment while upholding the Bullyard Beetle Way.

Recognition & Impact

Being named a state finalist is a tremendous achievement for Bullyard State School, especially as the school prepares to celebrate 125 years. “It’s given our students pride and confidence. They can point to the mural and say, ‘I helped make that,’” said Alex.

It has also strengthened community connections, with families and volunteers joining painting days – brushes in hand – and supporting the school’s efforts both online and via radio. The project sparked conversations about caring for the environment, living the school values, and leaving a legacy for future generations. The mural has become a living lesson in history, sustainability, and belonging.

Bullyard hopes the mural will stand as a lasting reminder of the school’s connection to the land, its commitment to sustainability, and the spirit of its small but resilient community. The school also hopes it will also attract new families, allowing them to see what a vibrant, caring, and forward-thinking little school Bullyard truly is. Most of all, they hope it inspires future generations of Bullyard kids to take pride in their school, their environment, and their community.