IT was a uniform-free day with a difference – a big difference.

Last week, 120 students from Boggabilla Central School and Toomelah Public School attended a mini careers expo and dress-up day to explore their options when leaving the classroom and entering the workforce.

Kindergarten to Year 12 students were asked to dress up in the careers they hoped to be a part of in future years.

Students networked with local employers and training organisations, including Care Goondiwindi, NSW Police, NSW Health, Gomeroi River Rangers and Country Universities Centre.

They participated in interactive activities that gave them a hands-on taste of what it’s like to be a nurse, police officer, NSW SES volunteer or tradie.

Mini careers expo and dress-up day is an initiative of the Educational Pathways Program, which improves education and career outcomes for young people.

The innovative, grass-roots approach was the brainchild of Boggabilla Central School’s Careers and Educational Pathways Program head teacher, Laura Peisley.

She said the expo – a first for Boggabilla Central School and Toomelah Public School – was an inspiring experience for students as well as educators and career advisers.

“The idea for the mini career expo came from wanting to create a more hands-on, community-connected way for Boggabilla Central School’s pre-school to Year 12 students explore their futures, starting from the earliest years,” Mrs Peisley said.

“We know how important it is to begin preparing students early for key transitions, whether it’s moving into high school or thinking ahead to life after school.

“That’s why it was important to include Toomelah Public School in the event so their students could start building confidence, connections, and aspirations before they make that next big step.”

Mrs Peisley said the inspiring event was a community effort.

She thanked mentors, employers and exhibitors who came together to present career options for  students.

“Everyone involved made the day so meaningful for our students, especially our assembly panel of speakers,” Mrs Peisley said.

Speakers included Buddy Hippi, founder of Winangali Infusion, registered nurse Ann Marie Thomas from Pius X Toomelah Health Clinic and former NRL Dolphins player Brayden McGrady, who heads up Gomeroi River Rangers.

“The event had a great energy, with students of all ages engaged, curious, and asking thoughtful questions,” she said.

“It was powerful to see so many young people light up as they made connections between who they are, where they come from, and what they could become.”

Mrs Peisley also thanked Toomelah Public School senior leader of community engagement, Kelirra Armstrong, who facilitated the panel discussion.

“Kelirra is a role model and young leader, who did an amazing job,” Mrs Peisley said.

Year 6 student, 11-year-old Saige Jarrett, poignantly explained what the ground-breaking expo meant to all students.

“I learned to not let people stop you from letting your dream come true,” Saige said.

Ten-year-old Amiah Duncan, a Year 5 student, has fashion houses and catwalks in her sights.

“I want to be a fashion designer. Today, I liked the sport activity and having a go with the fire hose,” she said.

Year 8 student, 13-year-old Adam Cutmore, said the expo was “amazing”.

“It was an amazing experience. I know where I can go to get my driver’s licence and many thanks to the very kind people who came to help us,” he said.

Year 8 student, 13-year-old Brenda Flanders, agreed.

“It was fun. I enjoyed it and learned a lot from the visitors, and got to have some good conversations about my future,” Brenda said.

Year 6 student, nine-year-old Nate McGrady, clearly has his future mapped out.

“I found out when I’m older, I want to work with the fire truck,” he said.

“I learned about nursing, river rangers, all the bits of the fire truck, and the ambulance electric bed.”

Year 6 student, 11-year-old Jailarnie Boland, also enjoyed the NSW Fire and Rescue demonstrations.

“I liked the fire-fighting activity, spraying the hose to knock the water bottles down. And I liked the sport activity trying to get the footy in the targets.”

Year 6 student, 11-year-old Brielle Hippi, has motor vehicles in mind.

“I learnt when you turn 16 you can get your driver’s licence. I want to drive around. I liked the fun activities and the lollies and gifts,” Brielle smiled.

Year 12 student, 17-year-old Bethany Boland, was surprised by so many career options.

“There’s way more opportunities than I thought for a little town, and there are a lot of people who want to help,” she said.