Community Spirit at Mount St Patrick College, Murwillumbah

Students and staff from Mount St Patrick College, Murwillumbah, were given the honour of being among the first people to experience the opening of the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. (1 March 2023)

Excited staff and students from Mount St Patrick College were front and centre on the school bikes for the opening of the much anticipated Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. The Trail was officially opened during a ceremony at the heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station.

The trail currently extends 24km past 18 historic railway bridges, through 2 tunnels and ends at the quaint village of Crabbes Creek. It is the first completed stage of the Trail, which will eventually stretch 132km to Casino.

‘It was fantastic to be on the trail seeing what a marvellous job the Tweed Council have done in creating this asset for the community. I know that our College students will see the benefit of it for many years to come,’ said Principal Paul Reidy.

The college was the only school present at the opening, and their involvement was due to the vision and commitment of Mount St Patrick College Sports Coordinator Tim Whitney.

Tim saw the development of this unique community resource as an opportunity to include cycling as part of the school's integrated sports program.

‘The ride through the 500m long tunnel at Burringbar was a thrilling experience, illuminated by only the teacher's phone torches, it was extreme darkness, but there were glow worms as well, an experience that we will never forget and one I will definitely be doing over and over again in my spare time and with my family,’ said Tim Whitney.

Students in Years 9 to 11 will be able to experience their community's beautiful scenery and historic sites using the 30 locally purchased bikes and helmets. During Terms 2 and 3, all students across these year groups will be able to ride the Northern Rivers Rail Trail twice.

Congratulations to the Mount St Patrick College staff for adding this healthy and fun activity to their school sports program.