But for Navarre's Bobbie Driscoll, spending time working, supporting, catering and volunteering for the Navarre Primary School has been one of her greatest joys.

Having grown up in the region, Driscoll's journey with Navarre Primary School began when her own children joined the school during the early 1960's.

Since then Mrs Driscoll's commitment to her volunteering has never wavered.

"In a little country town you know all the people and their children, so working with the school keeps you in touch with everyone," she said.

"You get to know the children and then you like to know how they are going and watch them grow up.

"We have always stayed close to the school.

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"We went to events and sports days to help out. I always helped with the cooking and catering too.

"We had workshops and they helped each other and we also had some activities like the children visited my garden for a day every now and again."

All five of Mrs Driscoll's children went through Navarre Primary School, but even once they had finished their time with the school, she continued to volunteer her time.

Navarre Primary was almost lost due to a lack of students, but a resurgence has seen the school regain its place as a key part of the farming community.

"We nearly lost it, we only had one student left," she said.

"The school has got a lot smaller. When my eldest one was going there was 40 at the school and now there is 11.

"They were down to one a few years ago, but the teachers worked hard and advertised to the families and they are up to 11 and there is going to be 17 there next year which is wonderful for a little place like that.

"I think it is very important for the community because it keeps people together and it would make a big difference if the town didn't have it."

Mrs Driscoll was farewelled by the school in September after completing her move to Ballarat.

Students gifted Mrs Driscoll flowers as a going away present, from a COVID-safe distance.

But Mrs Driscoll plans to return to the school to give the students a proper farewell when it is safer to do so, because she still has some lollies to give away.

Navarre Primary School principal Suzanne Slater said volunteers like Mrs Driscoll were invaluable.

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"We thank you Bobbie for your tireless energy and support. We will miss you very much. Wishing you every happiness in your next adventure," she said.

"You don't often say it enough how much people are valued, but she is a pretty special lady.

"People like Bobbie add to the richness of the school.

"What happens is people are involved from prep to grade six, and then you lose them and there are so many wonderful people who are community assets.

"The thing is you can have cross-generational learning and learning new things at 80.

"You never stop learning and that is one of the things we want to encourage in our children.

"A love of learning and and that learning is a lifelong process."

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