Located north of Howlong, classes ran in the weatherboard building until 1936, when motor cars became popular and children on nearby farms could travel.

A lot has changed since then for the Riverina, but Joy Poole, who grew up next to the site of the now-vanished school, thought it was important not to forget its rich history.

She has been in close talks with Greater Hume Shire for the past 18 months, lobbying it to mark the site of the former school. “They realised that I was rather passionate for it to not be permanently forgotten,” Joy said.

And so 30 people were at the site on Tuesday to watch a sign’s unveiling, many of whom shared a deep connection to the patch of land.