Throughout the first half of the year, Principal Ms Marina Ugonotti, Director of Boarding Joanne Hallinan and Director of Advancement Rebecca Curran travelled across regional New South Wales, visiting the communities that have long been part of the Loreto Normanhurst story.

The first journey took the team through Dubbo, Warren, Nevertire and Bourke, where they were warmly welcomed by current and prospective families, alumnae and friends of the School. In Dubbo, an evening at the Pastoral Hotel brought together Loreto past parents and grandparents. The journey continued with a memorable evening at the Nevertire Hotel before arriving in Bourke, where local families gathered at the Port of Bourke Hotel. A personal tour of the town with the Bourke Mayor offered a deeper appreciation of the history, resilience and character of this remarkable community.

The second road trip continued through Coonabarabran, Gunnedah and Tamworth. The team attended the North West Equestrian Expo in Coonabarabran, spending time with boarding families around the campfire before cheering on our talented riders as they competed with remarkable skill, determination and sportsmanship. There was also plenty of laughter when Rebecca accepted an impromptu whip-cracking lesson from the talented Freddie.

In Gunnedah, past families, current families, prospective families and alumnae gathered for dinner at the Railway Hotel. The following day, generations of the Loreto community came together for lunch at The Courts in Tamworth. Both gatherings were filled with familiar faces, shared stories and genuine enthusiasm for all that is happening at Loreto today.

These visits are about much more than attending events. They provide an opportunity to spend time with the people and communities who are such an important part of Loreto Normanhurst, to better understand regional life and to continue building strong partnerships with families across New South Wales.

Every road trip is a reminder that the strength of Loreto is found not only on campus, but in the people, places and communities that continue to shape and support our School.