The Minor/Major Premiership double is up for grabs tonight for Hillvue Rovers in the Tamworth Local 4th Grade competition, but standing in their way is North Companions hot off a two-game elimination final streak.
Hillvue Rovers have been the team to beat this season, finishing on top of the league and gliding through the Major Semi-Final 3-0. Tonight, they head into the decider looking to replicate their earlier 5-2 win against North Companions during the season and send off the year with the double.
Hillvue Rovers player/coach, Dwayne Marshall is feeling good about the competition this season and the team moving into the Grand Final.
“It’s been pretty good. Boys have had a good chat in our group, and I think they’re just keen to get out onto Scully Park and have a good game”
“Just doing what we’ve been doing all year.” Marshall said on the game plan. “We have the old heads in midfield with Amine and Aaron Follington and a couple older fellas up front. Just doing the same and don’t change anything.”
“We’re actually missing one of our main midfielders this year with Tim Stackman out, but we have a very similar line-up to the rest of the year. We have a couple of young fellas who have been playing all year with us come in and be fresh legs throughout the game.”
On the other end, North Companions finished the season in 4th and have fought their way through the Minor Semi-Final beating Oxley Vale Attunga (2-1) and then the Preliminary Final beating Moore Creek (3-0). There’s no surprise in this competition seeing 4th place take out 2nd & 3rd when there was only the five points between 1st and 4th.
Season standings and prior results are all in the past and Grand Finals come down to whoever wants it the most on the day.
North Companions player/coach, pat Warren said that the team atmosphere going into the game was “Pretty positive, even though Hillvue beat us in the regular season. We’re pretty confident this evening because we have made a couple of appearances (finals) in the past couple of years, and we’ll be able to just play the field and play the team.”
“Our goalkeeper hasn’t faced off against them.” Pat commented on the difference between their last outing. “Craig Russ is a pretty good goalkeeper. He reads the play really well from the back and has saved a couple of penalties against other teams. I think he will be one of the deciding factors.”
“Our big strength is a couple of our younger players like Radley Wilks, along with his father Mark Wilks, who just push up and play off each other. Along with Martin Rae in our defensive line, helping out there and spreading the line.
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Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueIt was not their usual uniform
rather it was for 'Bullying No Way': National week of action
It stems from the fact that when we all feel like we belong
Assistant Principal / Stage 3 at Hillvue Public
said participating in the week was important for students
"It is reported that one in four students [generally] report being bullied at least once a week
Hillvue wants to foster an environment where everyone belongs and bullying has no place," she said
"Belonging means we all have a role in preventing bullying
We're encouraged to speak up and create a safe place where everyone feels supported and respected
Mrs Newman said the children have been really engaged all week
whole-class discussions that covered topics such as challenging stereotypes
fostering positive relationships and knowing who they can turn to if they need support
The week ended with a whole school assembly - with all staff and students wearing purple as a show of togetherness
Cakes for the whole school were donated by Crust and Cream bakery
"Doing a whole school event shows that we are like a family at Hillvue where everyone is supported
"By holding this week long event to coincide with 'Bullying No Way National Week of Action' we are hoping that we can spread the message that kindness and respect will get you further in life!"
And if you feel like you need to talk to someone
you can call Kids Helpline 24/7 on 1800 55 1800
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there might be something in the water because Hillvue Public School has enrolled five sets of twins in its 2025 Kindergarten year
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueSchool principal Jayne Johnson said five sets of twins in one year might not be a record
but it would be "pretty close" to it at Hillvue Public
"It's not something we see every year - we seem to have really loaded up this year," she said
Four out of five Hillvue Public twin sets: Everly and Lorelai Goodchild
Identical twins Taylee and Tahni Evans are absent
Picture by Peter HardinThe twins were among almost 70 new Kindergarten faces who arrived for day one of the school year
While not all the sets of twins are identical
Mrs Johnson said teachers would have no trouble telling them apart
"Their teachers have had interviews with the twins' parents
who share with us how they identify their children - sometimes one twin might have a slightly fuller face
All Kindergarten students took part in the school's transition program during 2024
so the twins' teachers have had time to get to know all their new students
"During the transition program students spend one morning a week learning how to get ready for their new school activities
playing games and singing songs," Mrs Johnson said
"It's all very play-based and a lovely time to get to know the children."
Mrs Johnson said twins were likely to be in the same classes
some parents would request they be separated
and the school would be guided by what the parents preferred at such a young age
When Lindsay Gregory and David Styles dropped off Archie and Darcy Gregory at school this morning
the boys had not been overly excited about starting school
the boys admitted to enjoying time playing games
although they were really looking forward to getting home to ride their new bikes
with a set of twins in Year 4 and another set in Year 3
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A student at Hillvue Public School in Tamworth. (ABC News)
Link copiedShareShare articleFour years ago, the NSW Education Department undertook an experiment.
Fifteen principals were employed on salaries of up to $200,000 per year to try and lift academic performance in struggling schools.
Chris Shaw, the principal at Hillvue Public School in Tamworth. (ABC News)
All the schools have large numbers of Indigenous students and all are based in regional and remote parts of the state.
The program is called the Connected Communities Strategy. Some of the schools have fared better than others.
At Hillvue Public School in the regional city of Tamworth, Chris Shaw was given new powers to employ staff, change school operating hours and parts of the curriculum. He's more like a CEO than a traditional primary school principal.
"The executive principal concept, I think is a good one," he said.
"I am paid a higher salary and with that comes the expectation that you will do more and I think that's fair enough.
If you had to sit the year 7 numeracy NAPLAN test today, how would you go?
"My approach is always to have high expectations for everybody. Not only students but teachers, community and everybody we are working with."
At Hillvue Public School, 78 per cent of students identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait islander and many students are from low-income families.
So how did the principal turn the school around? To begin with, he got Aboriginal parents involved with their child's personal learning program (PLP).
Year 3 teacher Jess Westerman said the key to the school's success was community engagement.
"At the beginning of 2014 at Hillview, I maybe had two to three or four parents turn up for PLP meetings and now this year I've had 100 per cent, which is an amazing increase in parents' involvement in their child's learning," she said.
Jess Westerman, a Year 3 teacher at Hillvue Public School. (ABC News)
The school has also produced some extraordinary academic results.
"This year, we had 63 per cent of our Year 3 students reach the top 2 bands for NAPLAN, compared to 27 per cent last year, which is astonishing," Ms Westerman said.
All students at Hillvue Public School are taught an Aboriginal language, and change at the school has been largely driven by the Aboriginal people themselves.
Simon Taylor was hired as the school's community engagement leader.
"The fact that an Aboriginal person is sitting at the table with the school principal and I only answer to him … that's a definite positive that we've never had before," he said.
Part of Mr Taylor's job is to connect families with health and medical services.
Simon Taylor, the community engagement leader at Hillvue Public School. (ABC News)
"If it's little Johnny with his eyes, I'll check to see that the glasses are here," he said.
"I know that all sounds pretty simple and basic but it just doesn't happen without somebody doing it."
Ten years ago, Jacob Stanton went to Hillvue Public School. In those days, it was a different school and he ended up dropping out.
"There wasn't much culture," he said.
Mr Stanton, now a youth case worker with the Tamworth Aboriginal Land Council, encourages students to have ambitious career goals.
"I would advise people to set their aims really high, get an education," he said.
"Go on and be things like a lawyer, in the police force, the fire brigade things like that. Set your standards really high because when you are 50 you are not going to be able to do a manual labour job anymore.
"But when you are 50 you can still be a police officer, a lawyer and still do things like that."
The youth unemployment rate in Tamworth is 15 per cent and the Indigenous unemployment rate is believed to be much higher. Many parents at Hillvue Primary School want their children to finish Year 12 and go to university.
Robert Bergan, a father with a child who attends Hillvue Public School. (ABC News)
Robert "Bobo" Bergan is the parent of one student at the school.
"I hope when they go to high school and leave here, their expectations are as high as they are here and that the teachers in the high school can keep their expectations high," he said.
"They need jobs, they need support and, if that's not there, they are not going to go anywhere in life."
The experiment with a highly paid and experienced principal seems to have changed Hillvue Public School for the better.
The real test will be in years to come when students leave high school and start looking for jobs.
The Government's proposed needs-based system will benefit some schools more than others.
At the nearby Peel High School in Tamworth, principal Rodney Jones said increasing numbers of Aboriginal students are finishing Year 12.
"Our numbers flowing into the senior school are significantly growing," he said.
"We will have 67 next year in Year 12 and 108 in Year 11."
"And about 40 per cent of all of those will be Aboriginal or Torres Strait islander students and we expect them to go right through and finish the HSC and there is no reason why they can't."
Watch the story tonight on Lateline at 9.30pm (AEDT) on ABC News or 10.20pm on ABC TV.
AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
A residential development site in Hillvue is a step closer to construction, with the community now invited to have their say on the project.
But some Tamworth residents say housing supply is needed now – as many face difficulties securing a rental property.
Mainfreight Transport Tamworth branch manager Angela Mumma and operations manager at Mainfreight Nicola Robinson
Picture by Gareth GardnerHillvue Public School students continue to expand their imaginations through the wonders of reading
All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe school was presented with 1200 books on Friday
providing students with nine books to take home and add to their personal libraries
The donation was in partnership between Mainfreight Transport Tamworth and Books in Home
Mainfreight Transport Tamworth's branch manager
said the business was proud to support a fantastic organisation that encouraged reading in children
"There is no doubting the positive impact that this program is having on these students," she said
Some of the books students took home today included Baa Baa Black Belt
Books in Homes is a charitable foundation that provides books to kids living in remote or disadvantaged areas
the charity distributed 3 million new books to children through schools and communities across Australia
CEO of Books in Homes Peter Large said Hillvue Public School was one of 24 schools Mainfreight sponsored to provide books in homes
"Delivering to 5500 primary aged children the opportunity to learn to read for fun," he said
"We are exceptionally appreciative of the generosity and support it receives from Mainfreight Australia."
Rachel is a former Northern Daily Leader reporter who covered education, Liverpool Plains and Gunnedah council, renewable energy, and country music. Recently, she transitioned into digital journalism as a national audience engagement producer. Be sure to say g'day: rachel.clark@austcommunitymedia.com.au
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Hillvue streets were littered with vandalized vehicles early this morning.
Police say a number of cars along Grant Street and Warwick Road were affected before 2 o’clock this morning.
Two men – aged 21 and 18 – have been charged with malicious damage.
They’ve been bailed to front court in April.
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueForecasts by planning consultants .idcommunity have estimated the Tamworth Regional Council area will hit 79,468 people by 2041 on its current trajectory with its outer suburbs primed for the greatest growth
Moore Creek and Daruka will see the biggest surge in this period
with the former's population tipped to grow more than 57 per cent in the coming decades
There is currently about 4462 people in the area but this figure is forecast to swell to 7026 by 2041 with the number of households predicted to almost double in that time
It follows a number of newly lodged subdivisions in Moore Creek with the council recently approving a 161-lot development and calling for feedback on a separate 255-lot proposal
Hillvue has also been tipped to grow rapidly in the next 20 years with the population predicted to increase by 53 per cent
This growth will see Hillvue become the most densely-populated suburb in Tamworth with the area slated to surge past 10,000 people by 2041
The consultants predict there will be 1500 more dwellings built in Hillvue in this time
North Tamworth could also see its residency rise with its population tipped to climb by at least 54 per cent by 2041 taking its tally to just shy of 9000
Coledale's growth will be in-line with the region's overall development with a 25 per cent increase forecast for the suburb
But these figures could prove to be rather conservative with the council ramping-up its "Blueprint 100" project
The project will map the city's path towards a population of 100,000 by the same 2041 deadline
The blueprint will go on public exhibition later this year
but planning director Brent McAlister will host a breakfast event next month on the back of recent stakeholder workshops
The push for accelerated population growth has been the cause of some angst in the community with dwindling water supplies in the region
But the council maintains the blueprint will help advocate for water funding from governments
The outer-lying villages like Barraba (11.34)
Manilla (8.9) and Nundle (6.3) have much lower forecast growth rates
East Tamworth will see more than 12 per cent growth
while West (0.79) and South (2.23) appeared to have reached their capacity
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It was an action-packed weekend for local football fans, with Tamworth F-C flogging Hillvue.
The Rovers, unable to get a point on the board against a raging FC outfit.
Picture by Peter HardinResidents in Hillvue are outraged over a "lack of communication" from Tamworth council on a major housing development
they were probably misinformed that the road would not open up into the future
That was never the case," Tamworth mayor Russell Webb told the Leader
Residents of the road's 47 houses demonstrated a united front against the plan at council's latest meeting by packing the Tamworth Town Hall
"There were only six people from the street that didn't turn up
and two were at work," Rodeo Drive resident Dean Tapp told the Leader
"We get no communication from this council
It's been a longstanding complaint among homeowners on the rural road who have previously said they've relied on local radio and newspapers to learn about projects that affect them directly
Tamworth Regional Council says it distributed about 150 letters to residents advising them of the through road proposal in March 2022
They say they do letter drops but no one ever gets the letters," he said
The current plan for Arcadia Estate includes four access points from Duri Road
Picture supplied by Tamworth Regional CouncilMr Tapp took his concerns about the proposed through road to council at its latest meeting
speaking to councillors directly before they voted
"Rodeo Drive was constructed to a rural residential standard
and no safe on-street parking," he said at the meeting
He told councillors he was concerned how increased traffic would impact the safety of the cul-de-sac
A traffic impact assessment (TIA) submitted to council predicts peak-hour traffic on Rodeo Drive will increase by six times the current amount once Arcadia Estate's 2350 new dwellings are filled
The TIA says that would put the through road's traffic on a similar level to other rural roads such as Spains Lane and Nundle Road
Council's recent traffic impact assessment shows how having access to Arcadia Estate through Rodeo Drive effects nearby roads to the north including Darien Avenue
Picture supplied by Tamworth Regional CouncilThe assessment also says without access from Rodeo Drive
the impact on nearby Darien Avenue would be more than 20 times the existing base load
Mr Tapp said he wouldn't want to inflict that pain on his neighbours to the north
but he said the options presented in the TIA are a false dichotomy
He said the decision council made was a "way to cut corners" by not investigating other options like adding additional access points on Bylong Road and Burgmanns Lane
"Whoever does the maps for Arcadia has done all the bike ways
They gave us two blue arrows that said 'future development'."
A draft layout of the future walking/cycling network for the southern edge of Tamworth has been developed
The blue arrows 'require further investigation'
Picture supplied by Tamworth Regional CouncilCouncil's decision to proceed with connecting Rodeo Drive to Arcadia Estate also came with a commitment to investigate a pedestrian and cyclist connection to the Sports and Entertainment Precinct
Originally from Austin, TX. "I wasn't born in Tamworth but I got here as soon as I could!" Jonathan covers a little bit of everything, but his main priorities are Tamworth Regional Council, Business, and Property. Send story tips to Jonathan via jonathan.hawes@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Picture by Gareth GardnerHillvue Public School has been unveiled as one of 49 regional schools across NSW to be selected for a new public preschool
Hillvue Public School executive principal Jayne Johnson was "surprised" the school had been selected
"I was surprised and delighted considering we have well-established preschools in our area," she said
as it is great that our little community has access to preschool."
Warialda and Toomelah Public Schools have also been chosen for the project
families across the North West have struggled to secure affordable childcare due to a decline in providers and workers
Data reveals the median cost of preschool per child has increased from $2.05 an hour in 2021, to $2.88 in 2022
Hillvue Public was selected based on criteria involving socioeconomic data
"They spent time investigating all schools and collecting relevant data to support their decision," Ms Johnson said
The NSW government has pledged $769 million to the project
Premier Chris Minns made the announcement at a press conference on Saturday
"Children who receive high-quality early childhood education can benefit throughout their lives
and it is so important families are able to access good quality services wherever they live," he said
"This investment is an important step towards delivering expanded preschool access for all families across NSW."
Ms Johnson said shovels would not hit the ground immediately
"We are down the track a bit; there are a few schools they have been started that are almost finished," she said
Hillvue Public School was one of 49 regional schools selected for the NSW government project
The selection process was based on socio-economic data
Picture by Gareth Gardner"We will have the conversation about the location of the building
because there will be a lot of services involved and the matter of staffing."
The "nitty-gritty" details will be discussed between the school staff and the NSW Department of Education in the next month
Ms Johnson said the new preschool would definitely make the transition process to primary school easier for students
A five-day-a-week transition program is expected to be a real game changer
"We have quite an effective transition program already
"I think it is beautifully reassuring for parents to bring their school-age students and little toddlers along with them to one location."
Teachers will also be able to spot any problems in a child's learning early on and will be able to cater to each individual student's learning needs
and ready to learn will be a wonderful asset for our region," Ms Johnston said
Emily Brooks and Brooke ManualDURING the year we encourage students to participate in all forms of sport
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe motivational reason behind this is to promote socialisation
foster a win/lose attitude and connect learning to physical activity
Hillvue decided to put words into action and under the guidance of a dedicated teacher
who brings out the best in students in the classroom and out in the playground
our supportive teacher made the netball nominations open to anyone
Well the rush to the whiteboard where names could be written down was overwhelming
a staff team with reserves had been organised
With positive laughter amongst the staff about who made up the team
names were submitted to the netball organisation and they were locked in
When the Hillvue Hurricanes were drawn to play discussions were held regarding uniform
coaching began and we were serious and focused
Our first game was held last Thursday at the Super Dome
all I can say is it was a fantastic evening of team sport that promoted conversation
The Hillvue Hurricanes gave their opponents a run for the score board
Unfortunately we were trailing behind but the opposition certainly worked up a sweat
I was glad to see full time as I think I felt a cardiac episode coming on
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueYear 3 teacher and representative of the Hillvue Public School's Anzac Day service organising committee
Zara Carr said the annual event was held to help students understand what Anzac Day was all about
and why we observe the day with special public services
Mrs Carr said the event was a highlight on the school's calendar
The 45 minute ceremony was led by the school's student leadership team
the presentation of Anzac Day Citizenship Awards
Year 2 teacher's aid Hamish Carr led in student leaders Sophie Wales and Jairell Swan along with KIDCO representatives from Years 2 to 6 to lay wreaths
This was followed by Year 6 student Shylo Carter reciting The Ode
which had been decorated with hand-coloured and made poppies and soldier figures
along with crosses and Anzac Day lettering
explained to the students what Anzac Day was about and why Australians observe it each year in April
Hillvue Public School are regional State PSSA netball champions after pipping Inverell's Ross Hill Public School 17-15
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinue“It was a great game and close the entire time but in the end our strong defence and sharp shooting are what won us the game.,” Hillvue coach Ashley Reading said
Hillvue now move on to play a winner of the North Coast region and if successful there will progress to Sydney for State finals.
which has fared well on the basketball court over the years
especially as it is only our third year of having a netball team,” Reading said
“They are a great group of girls who work well together
show sportsmanship and support for one another. It has been an absolute pleasure to coach this team.”
The girls are also undefeated in the local Saturday netball comp and leading the 11/12A division.
Tamworth Public's soccer boys also snared some silverware
edging out Armidale's Ben Venue 1-nil in their regional final played in Armidale
The Duri/Currabubula softball girls didn't fare as well though going down to Orange 13-9 in their inter-regional final. A slow start hurt the combined side with Orange jumping out to a 10-5 first innings lead.
Photo: Breanna ChillingworthCrash under investigationPolice are still investigating the cause of Monday afternoon’s crash
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueView +10 PhotosParamedics work to free the men who were trapped inside the sedan which flipped
Photo: Breanna ChillingworthBoth the sedan and the station wagon had to be towed from the scene
and fire crews mopped up an oil spill from one of the vehicles
Officers spoke with both drivers at the scene
Local residents said the intersection was notorious with several crashes or near misses in recent months.
Three people have been treated at the scene by paramedics while one person has been taken to hospital after Monday’s crash
A spokesperson for Ambulance NSW said paramedics assessed a woman and a young girl who were not injuried
Paramedics work to free the men who were trapped inside the sedan which flipped
was treated at the scene while a fourth was assessed and taken to Tamworth hospital for further treatment
He is believed to be in a stable condition
Two men who were trapped inside a car which flipped in South Tamworth have been freed
Ambulance paramedics and fire crews worked to stabilise the car which was teetering on its side after the crash in South Tamworth on Monday afternoon
Photo: Breanna ChillingworthOnce the car was deemed safe
emergency crews broke the back window and the two men were able to climb out
Both are being treated by paramedics at the scene
Two people remain trapped after a two-car crash
Photo: Breanna ChillingworthCrash flips carTwo people are trapped inside a car after a crash in South Tamworth on Monday afternoon
Paramedics are working to free two people inside a white sedan which collided with a station wagon at the intersection of Garden St and Hillvue Rd
Fire crews are working to mop up a spill and police are diverting traffic around the scene
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThat did not stop him from trying though: he attempted to parry the interview request to his assistant
Anderson then endured a ribbing from his fellow Rovers as his photo was taken for the article
after improving Hillvue beat North Companions 2-1 at Gipps Street
"We have a lot of boys from Trinity, but also a lot of boys that aren't from the church scene" .... Corey Anderson. Picture by Mark Bode The 42-year-old married father of three is a highly respected figure at Hillvue; an amiable man who, like a number of his players, is a devout Christian who attends Trinity Church Tamworth.
"He's a great coach and a really great bloke who loves God and doesn't take himself too seriously," said Hillvue's teenage striker Ethan Woods
He ended a lengthy break from football when he joined Hillvue in 2021
View +10 Photos"He's really good for a chat and a laugh," Woods said of Anderson
he's got a lot of wisdom and knowledge when it comes to football and life in general."
This is Anderson's first season as Rovers coach
"Just made the comeback three years ago to play with the guys - something to do on the weekend," the former Singleton Striker said
While Christianity was "a big part" of his life and the lives of other Hillvue players
adding: "We have a lot of boys from Trinity
but also a lot of boys that aren't from the church scene
who looks after plant and fleet at Gunnedah Shire Council
said it was Hillvue's goal to leave an impression on the league that extended beyond results: parents should want their children to join Rovers
results do matter - as shown by Anderson and his players' jubilation after Saturday's win - their fifth of the season and their first back-to-back in 2023
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by the Hillvue Public School Gaay Yinarr Girls Group
will feature in Tamworth's newest fire station
Photo: Gareth GardnerA mural featuring Aboriginal artwork representing Tamworth's rivers
mountains and landscape recovering in the aftermath of a backburn is set to feature at the city's newest fire station
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueGirls from Hillvue Public School completed the artwork on Friday last week
The mural is now all ready for pride of place at the new Tamworth Station 448, where it will join other artworks including totem poles by Tamworth High School students
Want more local news? Subscribe to the Leader to read it here first
Teacher Renee Callaghan said the school's Gaay Yinarr Girls Group had worked on the mural for about three or four weeks.
She said they hoped to be able to be there when the final product is put up on the wall, in NAIDOC week.
Hillvue Public School student Sophie Dawson said the opportunity to paint a mural for the new Tamworth South fire station was incredible. Photo: Gareth Gardner"I like that we've used different colours. You don't need to necessarily use those traditional red, black and yellow colours which students seem to think that's what you have to do and that's what Aboriginal art is, but it's not," she said.
"There's a lot of contemporary Aboriginal artists using lots of different colours now. We've actually, for the term we've been doing an artist focus on contemporary Aboriginal artist Sally Clark. The year six girls were sort of all over it."
Aboriginal Education Officer Mel Craigie said the painting featured foot tracks by the river, burned off trees growing back and the region's hills and rivers.
New Indigenous mural to feature in display at city's new fire station"In our nation we're connected by the Peel
Mooki and the Mehi rivers which connects all our communities together
That's what we've based our mural around," she said
Student Sophie Dawson said it was an incredible experience
"It means that it's contributing to my culture and the town I live in and the school I attend," she said
Murals painted by students at Tamworth South Public School
and by the Bumbara arts group will also feature at the newly-opened fire station
Fire and Rescue Superintendent Tom Cooper said they will all be unveiled in July alongside another mural to be painted that day by members of the community
The $5.4 million new station was completed in 2020, but coronavirus precluded any community events to mark the opening.
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During Chris' time at the Hillvue Public School
multiple initiatives were developed and implemented
he shares the details of some of these successful school improvement initiatives
This is an edited version of a paper originally published in the Research Conference 2019 conference proceedings
Our journey has involved the development and implementation of many initiatives that go hand-in-hand to support improved outcomes for our students and families
Our belief that all students can learn and all students will learn because of what we do is fundamental to our ultimate goal of achieving improved outcomes for our students and families
We close the window and look at the reflection in the glass
We identify barriers and challenges and we address them
This culture is being instilled in our students and community
The process of developing a vision statement took a semester and involved student
The end results are clearly displayed at the front of the school on a wall
covering an area of approximately 6 metres by 4 metres (see Figure 1)
The vision statement is used as a teaching and learning tool for students and the community
All teachers on staff are released from class for an hour each week to participate in grade professional learning led by our instructional leaders
The instructional leaders work closely with staff to reflect on practice
analyse data to inform teaching and next steps in learning
select and design interventions to support students
This is sacred time and is never interrupted
the session is led by one of the other teachers
The transitioning teacher brings cumulative knowledge in relation to background
This has significantly reduced disruption to student learning and supports continuity of learning
TAFE classes commenced at school to engage parents and community in lifelong learning
Parents were asked what they would like to learn and a program was developed at school in coordination with TAFE New England to support the areas identified by parents
Each session started with a wellbeing session
where parents went for a walk and did some exercise
The focus in the classroom was literacy and numeracy
This initial introduction has led to a number of parents enrolling full time in classes at the TAFE campus
Two parents are now employed as a result of their commitment to learning and the confidence they gained from attending classes and developing skills
We had to build a culture of high expectations
Many of our students were failing and staff were working in silos
Different results were being achieved across grades and in many cases poor results were being attributed to student cohorts and not lack of differentiation and the one-size-fits-all mentality of using whole-grade text books
The shift in culture from ‘this is how we do it at Hillvue' and having welfare as the priority
professional learning and reflective practice as priorities was pivotal to our success
support and challenge students and they will achieve
Hillvue was the school that many parents investigated ways to avoid enrolling their children
Hillvue Public School is now the school of choice for local families
A school they feel part of and in which they feel they have a voice
Parents are more willing to come into the school and actively engage in their child's learning
There is also increased pride in the school by the entire school community
A happy and collegial staff and a positive atmosphere in the playground with numerous activities to engage students has led to less stressful playground duties for staff (a comment from a teacher: ‘I don't even need to be on duty anymore
reduced negative classroom notifications and significantly increased classroom engagement and literacy and numeracy results
I know we often hear the saying that ‘there is no “I” in team'
and this was certainly the case as we transformed the culture of Hillvue Public School
It was a team effort and for me personally it was like leaving my family when I stepped out of the role as Executive Principal and into my current role as Director Educational Leadership
Australian Government. (2009). Belonging, being & becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia. Retrieved from https://docs.education.gov.au/documents/belonging-being-becoming-early-years-learning-framework-australia
If you don't feed the teachers they eat the students
Australia: Australian Council for Educational Research
Visible learning for teachers: Maximizing impact on learning
NSW Department of Education and Communities. (2011). Connected communities strategy. Retrieved from https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/aec/connected-communities
Chris Shaw says ensuring one teacher in every grade moves up to the next grade with students has significantly reduced disruption to student learning by supporting continuity of learning and bringing knowledge in relation to student background and welfare
Think about the transition program at your school
How do you ensure a smooth transition and continuity of learning for students
Could having a transitioning teacher enhance what’s already being done
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A man remains in John Hunter Hospital following a crash involving two cars in Tamworth yesterday afternoon.
It’s the latest incident in a spike of road trauma across the North-West and New England – as police fear their message isn’t getting across to all motorists.
Photo: SuppliedA Tamworth principal who has championed Aboriginal education has been honoured at the Nanga Mai Awards in Sydney
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueHillvue Public School Executive Principal
Chris Shaw was recognised for his commitment to increasing knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal histories
The two-page award citation highlights Mr Shaw’s “exceptional leadership” that has driven the strengthening of Aboriginal languages at the school
It’s the second year that students at Hillvue Public learn Gamilaraay language
The award declares that Hillvue Public School values the link between language and culture and how crucial the recognition is to building relationships and enhancing educational outcomes and life opportunities for Aboriginal students
would be transformed into a drive-thru Oporto (inset)
Photo: Peter HardinANOTHER fast food outlet could soon be added to the city's growing list of options
with Portuguese-themed restaurant Oporto eyeing off a second location in Tamworth
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe international chicken chain has revealed its plans to demolish an existing service station on Goonoo Goonoo Road in South Tamworth
to make way for its newest drive-thru restaurant
The site currently operates as a BP service station with a convenience store and a Subway fast food outlet
But the developer hopes to build a larger structure in its place which would house a 30 seat dining area
and an additional 10 car drive-thru and 26 car car park
the BP would resume operation at the revamped site
In planning documents submitted to Tamworth Regional Council the developer said its aim is to "provide convenient quality food" and "meet growing demand in the South Tamworth area and wider region"
"Based on determination of similar developments in the local area and the assessment of potential environmental impacts
we do not believe there are any issues in terms of site suitability," the plans read
Tamworth is already home to a drive-thru Oporto on Marius Street
PLANS: Architectural plans in the DA show the Oporto and BP would operate from the same building.If approved
the South Tamworth Oporto would initially operate between 9am and 10pm
to match the current operating approval for the existing BP service station
The restaurant would need to hire 15 staff
and would have an average of four to six staff onsite during the day
and a minimum of three staff on during the night
The current brick buildings on site were constructed around 1987
but the new Oporto would have a "modern design" with "high quality materials and finishes that will not be out of character with surrounding commercial development"
Oporto opened its first restaurant in the Sydney suburb of Bondi in 1986
but now has more than 100 eat in and takeaway venues in Australia and New Zealand
Oporto didn't respond by deadline when contacted for comment on Monday
Caitlin Reid is a journalist at the Northern Daily Leader, focussing on a range of topics including Tamworth Regional Council, education, property and entertainment. To get in touch, email caitlin.reid@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Brandon James Booby is charged with domestic reckless grievous bodily harm of his father - an offence that carries a maximum of 10 years' imprisonment
the accused was hit first by the victim?" Magistrate Julie Soars asked in the bail hearing
"That's correct," Legal Aid solicitor Wendy McAuliffe replied
Booby was not required to enter a plea to the charge on Friday afternoon
in front of eight family and friends seated in court
Ms McAuliffe submitted a list of written conditions
It included a list of names of family members "who he can have contact with" if in the "direct company" of the nominated person
Police prosecutor Sergeant Rob Baillie said the proposed conditions "mitigated" the "risk of flight"
Ms Soars said because Booby's release "is not opposed ..
"You will need to comply," she warned Booby of his conditions
Ms McAuliffe did not ask for a brief of evidence to be served
she asked for the case to be adjourned to next week because the court heard they would need "to confirm the situation in terms of the appropriateness of charges"
When Ms Soars asked if it was because of "negotiations"
to see the health of the complainant," Ms McAuliffe replied
The court heard the bail conditions could be altered because of Booby's "work"
and "depending on what happens over the weekend" with the complainant
The circumstances surrounding the argument are still under investigation
A crime scene was set up at the home and examined by forensic police
Detectives have interviewed several witnesses as part of their investigation
to live with a family member while the case progresses
He must report to police daily; remain at a Tamworth address unless he is in the direct company of the nominated family member; and he's prohibited from applying for a passport or going near an international departure point out of the country
He's also prohibited from contacting his father; and must post $1000 in surety
The court heard the case will be referred to the DPP to prosecute
which would eventually see it moved to the district court for trial or sentence
Want more crime and court news? Support the local news that keeps you informed - subscribe today
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
A second man has been charged as part of an ongoing drug supply investigation in Tamworth
The 28-year-old was arrested at a home in Hillvue at around 2pm yesterday
He was charged with supplying cannabis and refused bail to appear before Tamworth Local Court next month
A 31-year-old Werris Creek man remains before the courts on similar charges
Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInHillvue Heights Baptist Church in Bowling Green was normally a place of sanctuary and peace for people across Southern Kentucky
but in a split second on Sunday morning fear found its way inside the church walls
"Bowling Green Police received a call that there had been a stabbing during the church service," explained Bowling Green Police Information Officer Rick Bessette
Ethan Buckley and his father were sitting near the center of the congregation right around the time an altar call was given
when Buckley pulled out a knife and began violently stabbing his father
"Members of the congregation along with the on-site security were able to detain him until police arrived," confirmed Bessette
confirming the victim was stabbed multiple times on different areas of his body
Those same witnesses didn't want to go on camera with our reporters
but said the stabbing occurred after the father tried to get his son to pray with him at the altar
Bowling Green Police did not confirm that account
nor ones that questioned Buckley's mental state
"The advanced crime scene processors are still on scene collecting evidence," said Bessette
The officer didn't release an official motive
but said detectives had no reason to believe the stabbing was an act of terrorism
"This was a domestic situation that just happened to to happen during church services here at Hillvue."
The victim was taken by ambulance to The Medical Center at Bowling Green
where his identity and condition are unknown at this time
Buckley is behind bars in the Warren County Regional Jail
will have him facing 10-20 years in prison
Buckley will be arraigned in Warren District Court Monday morning at nine
(BP) — Kentucky pastor Steve Ayers has reached a milestone that has Christians across the state taking notice: 10,000 baptisms since he arrived at Hillvue Heights Church
Since becoming pastor of the Bowling Green congregation in 1991
Ayers has seen the church grow from 30 people into a megachurch where 5,000 people regularly attend Sunday morning services
“The evangelistic success of Hillvue is nothing short of miraculous,” Kentucky Baptist Convention Executive Director Paul Chitwood said
“We celebrate every soul saved and pray God gives a harvest of 10,000 more.”
Chitwood said Ayers has kept his church laser focused on reaching the lost
Hillvue consistently leads the state in baptisms and is the only church that consistently tops 500 per year
Ayers said he stresses to all new believers that they need to share the Gospel with their families
“As soon as they come out of the water
and then they are brought into the ministry,” Ayers said
‘What do you need to go do?’ and they say
‘Go tell somebody.’ And they go do it.”
Ayers said he believes 10,000 is only the beginning of what the Lord will do at Hillvue
“I think we have a Great Awakening at Hillvue yet to come,” he said
I’m more excited now than when I first arrived here
It’s amazing to watch people come to Christ
head of evangelism for the Kentucky Baptist Convention
noted he is “not aware of another church in the state that has surpassed this historic milestone of 10,000 baptisms under one lead pastor.”
“The entire staff at Hillvue Heights sets individual goals for reaching the lost with the Gospel and leading them to follow Christ in baptism,” Gray said
“The Lord is honored by this intentional effort led by Pastor Steve and the staff
We stand by cheering them on as they continue to set the pace for our state in intentional gospel outreach.”
Throughout his ministry, Ayers has focused on evangelism. But after surviving a fiery explosion that nearly killed him two years ago
he has redoubled his efforts to reach the lost
He says he now has a fuller understanding that “truly
“I’ll be talking about Jesus until my last breath,” Ayers said
“We have one message that Jesus Christ died on the cross to save sinners
that He’s risen from the grave to give us new life
We don’t have a system at Hillvue; we have attitudes
The first attitude is we believe God created every human being and every human being is worthy of grace
The second attitude is we meet people where they are to invite them to come where Jesus will take them
but we can share the cross and resurrection with them so that they might know Jesus will save them.”
Robin Cornetet is managing editor of Kentucky Today (www.kentuckytoday.com)
a news resource of the Kentucky Baptist Convention
© 2025 Southern Baptist Convention. Site by Mere.
Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInBOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) - The Summer Dance Party is back!
The Summer Dance Party is an outdoor version, hosted in the parking lot, of Hilvue Heights Church’s annual Jesus Prom, which was created as a way to communicate the love of Jesus to adults with mental or physical disabilities.
Jesus Prom was an event annually presented by the church but stopped when COVID hit, due to being indoors.
“That was how we approached our first dance party last summer,” Ben Brewster the church’s Connections Pastor said in an email to WBKO, “During the party last year, we all were realizing, ‘Hey, this is a really great time’, and many people that came to the first one told us they loved it. So, when we decided to delay Jesus Prom again this past February, we looked ahead to the summer and said, ‘Let’s do the Summer Dance Party again.”
He also added that there were over 180 participants who signed up for the event.
There were also some differences between the summer dance party and Jesus Prom, including no dates, limo rides, dinner, or photos. The dress code was also not prom attire-and the night’s theme was Hawaiian Dance Party.
Refreshments were also made available to people who wanted them.
ABC NewsTamworth fire deliberateShare Tamworth fire deliberateTopic:Fires
A house fire in Tamworth at the weekend is being treated as suspicious (file photograph) (ABC News: Dan Cox)
Link copiedShareShare articleTamworth Police say items found at the scene of a weekend house fire indicate the blaze was deliberately lit.
The house, on Doonba Street in Hillvue, was been destroyed by the Saturday night fire.
Acting Inspector Geoff Sharpe says they're appealing for people who were in the area between 10:30pm and 11:15pm on Saturday night to come forward with any information on the incident.
“The Fire Brigade has conducted an investigation of the scene, as have Forensic Police, and at this point in time there's been some items and evidence located that indicates the fire's been deliberately lit,” he said.
“Oxley detectives are undertaking an investigation, and we're asking any witnesses to contact police.”
CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced
SearchKentucky Church Celebrates 10,000-Baptism MilestoneLog InSubscribeThe Christian Post
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2018Hillvue Heights Church in Kentucky is celebrating the baptisms of 10,000 people
| Hillvue Heights Church/FacebookPastor Steve Ayers
who started Hillvue Heights Church in Kentucky with 30 members in 1991
has now baptized 10,000 people and has thousands of members who attend worship services every week
The Southern Baptist megachurch in Bowling Green is celebrating the milestone of "10,000 lives changed forever by Jesus at Hillvue," according to its Facebook page
Jeff's baptism and our lives were changed," reads a comment by a church member
I was blessed to be one of those 10,000 which is not a number but one with a changed life
Praying that God will continue to bless Hillvue."
"It is such a wonderful blessing from God to have such a wonderful place to go to church and hear the word of God," reads a comment by another member
"Pastor Steve Ayers is an amazing man to deliver that word
You can feel the wonderful love of the church when you walk in the door
10,000 baptisms that's amazing so happy I was part of that today."
Speaking to Baptist Press
the pastor said 10,000 baptisms is just the beginning
"I think we have a Great Awakening at Hillvue yet to come," he was quoted as saying
I'm more excited now than when I first arrived here
It's amazing to watch people come to Christ
Hillvue's mission is "to connect people in a relationship with Jesus through the cross and resurrection
and to the truths of Jesus that set us free." The church adds
"These connections lead us to experience healing and to develop into players in God's mission."
"Church renewal focused on being a Jesus-centered community is the founding principle" Ayers teaches, the church says on its website
adding that he believes that "the Church is hope for the world today."
An adjunct professor at Campbellsville University in Kentucky
Pastor Ayers "has found that churches grow when Jesus is the central focus," the website adds
he has experienced Jesus leading a church from under 100 people to several thousand experiencing the transforming power of Jesus in their lives on a weekly basis … Pastor Ayers believes God has a place for everyone
and the function of ministry is to guide people to that place."
The pastor has a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Communication from Western Kentucky University
a Master of Divinity at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
and a Doctor of Ministry from Drew University
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