15 December 2025
Almost 200 Year 6 students from across the Kimberley marked the end of primary school by attending the remarkable 2025 Kimberley Round-Up, at Ardyaloon, or One Arm Point.
The three-day event, held in August, served as an early end-of-year celebration for the students as they look ahead to the next chapter in their education journey.
Almost 200 students took part in the three-day celebration and learning opportunity.
Students, staff and service providers from Muludja, Jungdranung, Wyndham, Djarindjin - Lombadina, Beagle Bay, Wananami, Looma, Bidyadanga, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Wangkatjungka, Bayulu and host school, One Arm Point Remote Community School (OAPRCS), came together for activities, cultural sharing and community connection.
Students participated in on-Country tours, jewellery making, obstacle courses, laser tag, screen printing with local artist Fred Maru, a yarning circle with Bardi Jawi Elders, a disco, a movie night and a massive feast featuring a pig on a spit.
But for many, the highlight was sharing what life is like Ardyaloon, located on the Dampier Peninsula, almost 2,500 km north of Perth.
“It’s great that other kids get to see our community and what makes it special,” One Arm Point student Shennae said.
Event coordinator and OAPRCS teacher, Belinda Mallard, said the round-up had a deeper purpose beyond fun and games.
“The round-up wasn’t just about having fun, it was about experiencing the history of community, the wonders of this beautiful location, and the sharing of stories from local elders,” she said.
The Kimberley Round-Up has deep roots in the region, running throughout the 1980s and 1990s. It was revived in 2023 by OAPRCS. This year marked the second time in three years the community had hosted the event.
Students took part in lots of activities.
OAPRCS Principal Mark Batka said he hoped the tradition would continue to grow with other schools taking the lead.
“It’s always a privilege to host, but we’d love for another community to lead the round-up in 2026,” he said.
“Our students gain so much by learning about life in other places, just as visiting students enjoyed being part of our community here in 2023 and 2025.”
As the school year wraps up, the Kimberley round-up stands out as a meaningful milestone for students, a celebration of their primary school journey, their communities and the strong connections that make the Kimberley unique.