A fresh tribute to a war hero educated at Dubbo has been gifted to the students who tread in his footsteps.
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The valour of Victoria Cross winner and Dubbo High School graduate Rawdon Middleton was saluted before a crowd of students and teachers, past and present, on Sunday.
Framed replicas of the Royal Australian Air Force pilot’s medals and his portrait were unveiled at a remembrance service that was part of the Centenary of Public High School Education in Dubbo.
The gift will adorn the walls of Dubbo College, ensuring the war hero’s deeds are shared with new generations of students.
It was given by Lewis Winders, a long-time admirer of Middleton.
The service continued the weekend’s events to mark the milestone.
Hundreds of former teachers and students attended the celebrations which also showcased achievements.
NSW Governor David Hurley was in town to take part, and many travelled back to the city to attend.
Co-chair of the centenary celebrations organising committee and former Dubbo High School principal Jim Carey said the lunch had been a highlight.
“The Governor David Hurley attended, made a great speech and everyone spoke so well about public education and the benefits of it and that was really the highlight of the day,” he said.
Mr Carey applauded the tribute to Middleton.
“It’s a great thing, it’s an inspirational story… and I think that’s also inspirational what Lewis Winters has put together there,” he said.
Di Hutchins, a Dubbo High student from 1963 to 1968, said she and former classmates had relished the chance to attend.
“It’s just been a fabulous weekend, beautifully organised and all the camaraderie we’ve been able to share was just great,” she said.
Ms Hutchins, a country student from the Trundle area, also reflected on the importance of being able to go to high school.
“Our education allowed us to go on and do anything we wanted,” she said.
“That’s what education was to us.
Our education allowed us to go on and do anything we wanted... It was our free pass to the world.
- Dubbo High School 1968 graduate Di Hutchins
“It was our free pass to the world.”