Students in remote Australia record country song

Students at Port Hedland School of the Air in Western Australia’s Pilbara region collaborated with musician Josh Arnold to create the song “Kids from the Pilbara.”

The 21 students, who live on cattle stations and receive their education remotely, gathered at Yarrie Station, a 250,000-hectare property, to record the song and its music video. These children typically only see their classmates a few times a year due to the distances involved in their rural lifestyles.

Josh Arnold, an award-winning country musician from Toowoomba, has worked with rural and remote students across Australia for over 15 years, having recorded more than 400 songs with them. He believes these projects give students pride in their schools and communities, helping to put remote areas “on the map.” Arnold himself grew up on a farm and understands the importance of giving country children a platform to share their experiences.

Annabelle Coppin, a mother and Yarrie Station owner, explained that the project boosted her daughter’s enthusiasm for school, addressing the challenges of learning outside a traditional classroom. While School of the Air, established in 1951, offers flexibility and personalised learning, it requires significant effort and resources from families. The program has evolved from using radios, shared with the Royal Flying Doctor's Service, to modern video calls, but the value of students connecting with peers remains constant.