Four students from Mullaley Public School have been treated to a VIP weekend away.
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They were among 150 special guests at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena, including Gunnedah woman and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell who joined them at the Saturday matinee.
Now in its 36th year, Schools Spectacular featured performers from the New England and north west including Quirindi High School.
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During the day, the students visited the surrounding sports and recreation camps, and Mullaley principal Ben Carter said it was a great initiative.
"The students were provided with the much-needed opportunity to have a break from the drought for a few days," he said.
"This is a unique and fantastic opportunity for not only the selected students of Mullaley Public School but for all students involved across the drought-affected areas."
Minister Mitchell said it was fantastic to see students whose communities were struggling from drought, able to relax and see a world-renowned show.
"Our rural communities are doing it tough, so being able to give a break to 150 students from these areas makes a difference," Ms Mitchell said.
"Teachers and parents have told me that this opportunity will be the highlight of the year for many of these students.
"I hope that these young people have had a weekend to remember, and one that boosts their classmates when they return home and share their joy."
The initiative was part of Wish Upon a Star, a joint venture of the Department of Education and the Office of Sport and Transport NSW.
Principals hand-picked students for the trip as a reward for good behaviour and merit.
It has been ranked by Guinness World Records as the world's Largest Amateur Variety Act.