Community & Business
8 July, 2026
Gilgandra Student Shines as PLC Armidale Celebrates Outstanding Creative Arts Success
Gilgandra's Poppy-Grace Newton has had a brilliant term of achievement at PLC Armidale.
Gilgandra student Poppy-Grace Newton has capped off a remarkable term of achievement, helping Presbyterian Ladies College (PLC) Armidale celebrate an outstanding season of success across the Creative and Performing Arts.
The year 10 PLC Armidale border has excelled in both visual and performing arts, earning selection as a finalist in the prestigious 2026 University of New England School Acquisitive Art Prize (UNESAP) and Let's Hang It! exhibition, while also performing in the College's award-winning choir and dance ensembles.
Poppy-Grace's artwork was selected from more than 700 entries submitted by 43 schools across regional New South Wales for exhibition in the 2026 UNESAP and Let's Hang It! exhibition at the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM).
In addition to her visual arts success, Poppy-Grace represented PLC Armidale at the Tamworth Choral Eisteddfod as a member of the PLC Senior Choir, which placed second in the prestigious Tamworth Choral Championship. She also performed with the College's successful dance ensembles at the Tamworth Dance Eisteddfod, where the Stage Five Jazz Ensemble placed second, and the Stage Five Contemporary Ensemble received a Highly Commended award. The Stage 5 Group Devised Drama performance featuring Poppy Grace, also received the highest adjudicator score of the entire Speech and Drama section of the Armidale Eisteddfod.
Head of creative and performing arts, Jo Wysel, said the college's success this term reflected the dedication and creativity of its students.
"As we reach the end of another busy and rewarding term, I have been reflecting on just how much our students have achieved," Mrs Wysel said.
"From state-level success to thought-provoking theatre, this term has demonstrated not only the talent of our students, but also their willingness to embrace challenge, creativity and artistic risk."
Poppy-Grace's achievements formed part of an exceptional term for PLC Armidale's Creative and Performing Arts program. Students earned major honours at the Tamworth Choral Eisteddfod, Armidale Eisteddfod, Tamworth Dance Eisteddfod and the NSW Shakespeare Carnival, collecting numerous first-place awards, championship titles and state honours across music, dance, drama and visual arts.
Principal Nicola Taylor said Poppy-Grace's willingness to embrace opportunities across multiple artistic disciplines was a wonderful example of the PLC Armidale experience.
"Poppy-Grace has demonstrated exceptional creativity, commitment and versatility this term," Mrs Taylor said.
"To be recognised as a UNESAP finalist while also contributing to our award-winning choir and dance ensembles is a tremendous accomplishment. She has embraced every opportunity available to her and represents both PLC Armidale and the Gilgandra community with talent, enthusiasm and pride."
Mrs Taylor said the college was proud to see students like Poppy-Grace flourishing in an environment where they were encouraged to explore their talents, take creative risks and strive for excellence.
