L-R: NSW Department of Education Secretary – Murat Dizdar, Forbes High School Students – Indigo, Payton, Adelaide, Jamal and Forbes High School Principal – Kathleen Maksymczuk.
Forbes High School hosted more than 80 principals and school leaders from across Central West NSW as part of the 2026 Schools Roadshow, on Tuesday May 19.
The NSW Department of Education’s annual roadshow is travelling across the state, serving as a key platform to engage directly with school leaders and bring the NSW Plan for Public Education to life in every community.
Leaders from Forbes to Canowindra and Cowra to Cudal all came together to share insights from their unique school contexts ensuring local voices shape the future of public education in NSW.
NSW Department of Education Secretary, Murat Dizdar, said the roadshow plays a critical role in strengthening the system by listening to those closest to students.
“It’s inspiring to see so many school leaders coming together with a shared purpose to improve outcomes for every student,” he said.
“When we listen to the experiences of principals and leaders on the ground, we build policies that are more responsive, more effective, and more deeply connected to the communities we serve.”
The department’s senior executive team attends each roadshow stop to engage directly with principals and deepen understanding of local opportunities and challenges.
“This is about genuine partnership. We listen, we learn, and we lead together,” Mr Dizdar said.
At the Forbes event, Mr Dizdar highlighted key achievements made across NSW public schools, including strong student growth in NAPLAN and the successful expansion of the Inspire program for high potential and gifted students.
“We are committed to ensuring every student-regardless of their postcode or background-has access to a world-class public education,” he said.
“Bringing leaders together like this strengthens professional networks and builds a more connected, resilient public education system.”