More than 200 students from Scone Grammar, Muswellbrook High, Scone High, Merriwa High and St Joseph’s High Aberdeen converged on Muswellbrook High School for the 11th edition of the highly-regarded forum. 

With Tony Rockley from Ambulance NSW, Hunter Valley Police District’s Sheree Gray, Muswellbrook Fire & Rescue NSW’s Luke Simpson, former drug and alcohol counsellor Gary Frost and guest speaker Krystle on deck, the pupils gained much insight into a number of important issues.

Afterwards, the UHLA put on a sausage sizzle and drinks before the youngsters headed to the school grounds for a simulated motor vehicle accident scenario.

So popular is that aspect of the seminar, the Muswellbrook Chronicle’s video of the “fake crash” was viewed more than 40,000 times.

All up, “the Education Seminar received a very good response from all the schools involved”, according to UHLA’s Daryl Egan.

“It’s now expanded to include a barbecue lunch for the students, followed by the afternoon program,” he said.

“That session was introduced in 2017 and proved to be very popular and effective.”

Even after 11 years, the seminar continues to hit the mark.

“We think it gets stale but then, in reality, the students are fresh and new every year,” Mr Egan said.

“And, we usually have one to three different guest speakers.

“The rehab representative and the inmate are not the same each year.

“In 2017, we also had Nathan Hindmarsh talking about problem gambling.

“The committee undergoes debriefing each year to work on improvements.

“This time around, we invited Muswellbrook firefighter Luke Simpson, instead of an inmate.

“I believe the students take a lot out of it, especially finding out the regulations and laws when attending licensed premises, as well as the impact of what can happen and what is involved after a motor vehicle accident from the paramedics, police and Fire and Rescue NSW.

“They witness the effect it has on the person and their family and friends.

“Also, they benefit from real life experience from people once affected by drugs and alcohol.”

Mr Egan praised the pupils, too.

“They are very attentive,” he said.

“You can tell from the vibe in the room that they are taking it in. 

“The applause after each speaker and at the end of the seminar says it all.

“Students even come up to us saying thank you.”