The past fortnight has tested us in ways we didn’t quite expect.
With just a couple of weeks to go, I received word that the Crossing Theatre in Narrabri could no longer host our Boarding Schools Expo – through no fault of ours obviously.
Faced with this sudden venue loss, I had a choice to make. Cancel, or adapt.
For me, the decision was challenging but ultimately simple. My mission – to ensure rural, regional and remote families can meet face-to-face with boarding schools, and explore education options under one roof – was too important to abandon.
So instead, and with the fortitude of one young woman at Narrabri (Ashley Kneale from Crossing Theatre – three cheers for Ashley) and our suppliers, we found ‘three’ makeshift roofs – in the form of a couple of big marquees and one bowling club!
Who knew a bowling green was the perfect space for two massive marquees! We were measuring via satellite imaging, face timing through the Narrabri Bowlo’, road tripping to suppliers, scrolling long range weather forecasting apps … and now thanks to some quick thinking, community goodwill, and a lot of elbow grease, the Expo is still going ahead – albeit with a slightly different layout and setting.
What’s truly buoyed us through this curveball is the unwavering support of the 41 exhibiting schools from across Queensland and New South Wales.
They didn’t just stick with me and my small rural business – they’re turning up, turning around, and turning toward the families we’re all here to serve. Their commitment, flexibility and genuine care of my situation have reminded me why I do what I do.
Because at its heart, this isn’t just an event. It’s a conversation – about possibilities, about futures beyond postcode limitations, about connection. And despite the circumstances, we’re still creating a purposeful, safe, and welcoming space for those conversations to happen.
That matters.
Like any rural business, we’ve learned to dance with the unknown – logistics, weather, availability, cost.
As a farmer’s wife of nearly 30 years, I’ve had plenty of training in the art of rolling with it, digging deep, and showing up anyway. This experience has been no different. It’s one more reminder that the work is worth it, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.
So yes, it’s been a ride. But onwards and upwards – big girl undies on, heart in hand.
See you in Narrabri and if you can’t make it or you don’t live within cooee of this event, share this with a friend who can. This year more than ever, we need your support.
Until next month,
BRINGING BOARDING TO THE BUSH
Get the real story on boarding at our Narrabri event
41 boarding schools from Queensland and NSW.
So you went to boarding school and your kids are going where you went? Then why not come along and compare schools alongside each other – ensure your decision is the best one for your kids.
Maybe you’re one of our many ‘first-gen’ boarding families – open to the possibilities of every school. Regardless of your position, our Expos are where you need to be. Register here for FREE.
2025 SCHOOL OF THE YEAR AWARD
Win $1000 at our Narrabri Expo
We kicked off our 21st Birthday with the School of the Year Award at our Dubbo Expo in May.
78% of families who attended voted for their favourite exhibiting schools – only three criteria : friendliness, presentation of booth, and knowledge of boarding at their school.
It’s that easy. When you visit our Narrabri Expo and vote you’ll go into the draw to WIN $1000.
The unexpected bonus of implementing this Award has been watching families having open and animated conversations about the schools they had connected with.
REAL CONVERSATIONS. IT’S WHAT WE DO
Live Q&A for Boarding Parents: Now Available to Watch
Discover our Live Q&A panels created by us and especially for rural, regional, and remote families navigating boarding school. From finances and emotional readiness to wellbeing and staying connected — hear directly from parents who’ve been there.
Watch our Dubbo Live Q&A panel online and come away with genuine advice and practical tools. Hosted by Kaitie Nash and featuring real parents, real conversations and real lived experience.
Here are the things we’re loving right now…
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
The Ultimate Collaboration: Rural Boarders x Ag Advocacy
I had the most heartwarming reaction to my recent ‘open letter’ to the quiet achievers in agricultural advocacy. It was a letter to our rural boarders and their families at the beginning of the school holidays. I wrote it from my lived experience as a ‘reformed city teenager’ gone country… 35 years at full throttle country.
SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES
Insights From the Bush Out on Asking the Big $ Questions
Our online resources are grounded in rural, regional and remote experience – shaped by lived realities and trusted relationships with families, schools and students. They’re practical, honest and community-informed.
This conversation is hosted by Jen Cowley OAM, and here we unpack scholarships, bursaries and boarding opportunities, making pathways clearer for families navigating education beyond their postcode.
Real insights, right where you are.
Have you finished your boarding school journey ? Share our news…. tell your friends and family who might be on their way. Our website provides almost 20 years of resources and experience to families and students considering their options and beginning their days at boarding school.
