Galilee School principal Tim McNevin (front) with inaugural inductees to the Galilee School Commemorative Garden – Craig Webber, Robert Long and Paul Adcock. Photo: Supplied.
Galilee School has created a Commemorative Garden at its Kambah campus to honour the contributors who have helped the special assistance school over the past 25 years.
The legacy project recognises the people and organisations that helped shape the school since it launched in 1999 and will be maintained by students.
The idea was raised during the school’s 25th anniversary celebrations in 2025 and was pitched as a place for students, staff, families, alumni, supporters and the wider school community to reflect on and recognise the values of the school.
The garden features native plants, stonework, pathways and commemorative markers including the spiral garden, which honours those who have contributed to the school’s growth and its impact on the lives of hundreds of young people.
Principal Tim McNevin said the garden reflected the collective effort behind the school’s journey.
“The Commemorative Garden is more than a tribute to our past. It is a recognition that Galilee School exists today because of the vision, determination and generosity of countless people who believed that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed,” he said.
“This garden ensures their contribution is remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
“Galilee School supports young people who have experienced significant barriers to mainstream education, through individualised learning, wellbeing support and practical pathways for the future.”
The inaugural inductees represent people and organisations whose contributions have had a lasting impact on the school’s development, culture and success, with more to be recognised in future years.
The garden also commemorates significant milestone events in the life of the school, including the devastating 2003 Canberra bushfires that effectively destroyed the Kambah campus.
Communities at Work Board chair Trixie Makay said the garden created an important link between the school’s history and its future.
“We are proud to recognise the remarkable individuals and organisations whose leadership, advocacy and support have helped Galilee School create opportunities for young people who have experienced significant barriers to education.
“The garden creates a lasting place of acknowledgement and appreciation, connecting past and present generations of the Galilee School community.”
Visit Galilee School to learn more about its work.
