On Tuesday 19 May, three of our Parliamentary Educators set off with a car boot full of props and costumes, including a replica Mace and Black Rod, for a three-day adventure in primary schools across the State electorate of Upper Hunter. 

The very first stop on this pilot of a new regional primary school outreach program was King Street Primary School in Singleton where they were greeted enthusiastically by teachers and students. Our Educators were greeted with the same wonderful hospitality at their next stop, Scone Grammar and in the days that followed on this whirlwind tour of the region. The team visited Scone Public School, St Mary’s, Scone, St James Primary School and the Richard Gill School in Muswellbrook as well as Muswellbrook South Public School. 

 

 

During the visits which were designed to be fun and interactive, students participated in a level of government game called Can I help You? and a Passage of a Bill Role Play. They also met with Dave Layzell MP, Member for Upper Hunter who keenly joined the students on the colourful floor mats engaging with them in a lively debate about the Extension of School Hours Bill.   

At Muswellbrook South Public School, the students were also treated to another special guest when the President of the Legislative Council, dropped in to say hello. The Hon. Ben Franklin MLC was warmly greeted by the students who engaged him in a lively Q + A about his role in the Upper House of the NSW Parliament and about important local issues.  

Mr Franklin was visiting in the Upper Hunter as part of the Legislative Council’s Regional Roadshows 2026 – Democracy on the move!  

 

And a shout out to ABC Upper Hunter who kindly covered our visit and recorded a terrific interview that you can listen to here.  

Watch this space for information about future regional primary school outreach programs.  

In the meantime, did you know that regional schools can access out Regional, Rural and Remote Schools Travel Subsidy for School Tours to the NSW Parliament. 

Students can also participate without leaving their classrooms in our very popular, free, fun and interactive Visit Us @ Our House online program.