Media release
For Immediate Release
25 June 2026
Sky is the limit for Southern Stars 2026
Southern Stars 2026 has been officially launched at the BlueScope Visitors Centre with a showcase of performances by talented vocalists from the Southern Stars Performing Company and public school students across southern NSW.
Southern Stars is on August 28 and 29 at the WIN Entertainment Centre.
The 2026 production will soar to new heights, with more than 3500 thousand students participating from 135 public schools in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, South Coast, Southern Highlands, and southern and south-west Sydney.
Executive Producer Neal Reed also unveiled this year’s theme at the launch, TAKE FLIGHT.
“In TAKE FLIGHT audiences will embark on a journey of imagination, exploration and discovery.” Mr Reed said.
“They will travel across the globe, from iconic destinations to distant worlds. They will experience the excitement of departure, the joy of adventure and the wonder of discovering what lies beyond the horizon.
“They will journey through places both real and imagined, before ultimately returning home with a renewed appreciation for connection, belonging, and the experiences that shape us.”
The 2026 production is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious and exciting yet, with 3000 students participating in dance and drama ensembles, a 500-strong choir, 400-member Yanggaa Garaba indigenous dance group, an 80-piece orchestra, featured vocalists, and beloved acts such as the NSW Public Schools Millennial Marching Band, circus, signing choir, and Rising Stars.
Veteran Southern Stars performer and Woonona High School teacher Zoe Steele has been appointed as the new Creative Director, 25 years after her debut on the Southern Stars stage. She said the show would feature storytelling and immersive visuals.
“TAKE FLIGHT is about courage, growth and embracing new possibilities,” Ms Steele said.
“The idea came from the notion that every young person has the potential to soar when given the opportunity, support, and confidence to step outside their comfort zone. Also, that every journey begins on the ground.
“From breathtaking circus acts to an arena being transformed into a runway, the production embraces the scale of the WIN Entertainment Centre, while creating moments that allow every performer to feel seen and valued within the larger production.”
The NSW Teachers Federation is the presenting partner for Southern Stars 2026 and President Henry Rajendra reaffirmed their commitment to arts education in public schools across the region.
“Southern Stars exemplifies public education at its best,” Mr Rajendra said.
“We proudly support access to a comprehensive curriculum that includes the arts, where students excel onstage and backstage, making their communities proud.”
More than 12,000 people are expected to attend the four performances at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Friday 28 August (10am and 7pm) and Saturday 29 August (1pm and 7pm).
Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster, with early booking recommended due to high demand.
Southern Stars is sponsored by the NSW Teachers Federation, GM3, BlueScope/WIN Community Partners, Wollongong City Council, University of Wollongong, WIN TV, i98fm, Illawarra Mercury, MSP Photography, and The Arts Unit.
Pictures and interviews with individual students and schools involved in Southern Stars 2026 are available on request.
MEDIA: Natassia Soper | 0428 938 911 | [email protected]
Schools involved in Southern Stars 2026 TAKE FLIGHT:
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Albion Park High School Albion Park Public School Albion Park Rail Public School Appin Public School Arthur Phillip High School Austinmer Public School Balarang Public School Balgownie Public School Barrack Heights Public School Barramurra Public School Berkeley Public School Berkeley West Public School Bomaderry High School Bowral High School Bowral Public School Bradbury Public School Braidwood Central School Briar Road Public School Bulli High School Claymore Public School Corrimal East Public School Corrimal High School Corrimal Public School Cringila Public School Dapto High School Dapto Public School Edmonson Park Public School Endeavour Sports High School Fairy Meadow Demonstration School
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Farmborough Road public school Figtree Heights Public School Figtree High School Figtree Public School Five Islands Secondary School Flinders Public School Gerringong Public School Gledswood Hills High School Goulburn High School Gregory Hills Public School Gwynneville Public School Gymea Technology High School Hayes Park Public School Heathcote East Public School Heathcote High School Illawarra Sports High School Jamberoo Public School John Warby Public School Kanahooka High School Karabar High School Keira High School Keiraville Public School Kemblawarra Public School Kiama High School Kirrawee High School Koonawarra Public School Kooringal High School Lake Heights Public School Lake Illawarra High School
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Lake Illawarra South Public School Lakelands Public School Lindsay Park Public School Milton Public school Minnamurra Public School Miranda North Public School Mittagong Public School Moruya High School Moruya Public School Moss Vale High School Mount Annan Public School Mount Brown Public School Mount Keira Public School Mount Kembla Public School Mount Ousley Public School Mount Saint Thomas Public School Mount Terry Public school Mount Warrigal Public School Mulwaree High School Murrumburrah Public School Nareena Hills Public School Narellen Public School Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School Newtown Performing Arts High School North Nowra Public School Nowra High School Nowra Public School Oak Flats High School Oak Flats Public School Oran Park Public School Otford Public School Picton High School Pleasant Heights Public School Port Hacking High School Queanbeyan South Public School Riverina Central Choir Robert Townson High School Robert Townson Public School
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Russell Vale Public School Scarborough Public School Shoalhaven Heads Public School Shoalhaven High School Smith's Hill High School Spring Farm Public School Stanwell Park Public School Sydney Secondary College Blackwattle Bay Campus Sylvania High School Tahmoor Public School Taren Point Public School Tarrawanna Public School The Henry Lawson School Thirlmere Public School Thomas Acres Public School Tomerong Public School Towradgi Public School Trundle Central School Tullimbar Public School Tumut Public School Unanderra Public School Vincentia High School Vincentia Public School Warilla High School Warrawong High School Windang Public School Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts Wollongong Public School Wollongong Public School Woonona East Public School Woonona High School Woonona Public School Young High School Young North Public School
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