- More than 4,000 students and 500 staff members from 59 regional schools attend the 2026 Senior High Schools Country Week official opening
- Senior High Schools Country Week runs for five days from 29 June to 3 July
- This is the 96th edition of the competition and the largest in its history
Students and staff from regional schools across Western Australia kicked off the 2026 Senior High Schools Country Week today.
Education Minister Sabine Winton officially opened the event at Perth HPC with more than 4,400 students and 500 staff from 59 regional schools making the 96th edition of the event the largest in its history.
Students will compete across 11 different competitions this week: Australian Football, basketball, dance, hockey, indoor cricket, netball, soccer, speech and debating, touch football, and volleyball, as well as a new trial sport for 2026 - badminton.
The number of students involved has increased from 3,986 last year to 4,463 students - an increase reflecting the strength, popularity, and importance of Country Week to regional Western Australia.
The Country Week Assistance Payment has assisted in this growth, helping to reduce the financial burden on families and schools and ensuring more students can access this unforgettable experience.
A key 2025 election commitment, the Country Week Assistance Program will provide financial support directly to schools based on the distance its students need to travel from Perth.
This means:
- schools located 300 kilometres or less from Perth will see costs reduced by $250 per student; and
- schools located more than 300 kilometres from Perth will see costs reduced by $500 per student.
As stated by Education Minister Sabine Winton:
"This year marks the 96th edition of this remarkable event, a tradition that has become one of the most anticipated and celebrated experiences in the lives of country secondary school students across our State.
"These competitions showcase not only athletic talent, but teamwork, leadership, resilience, and sportsmanship.
"For generations, Country Week has brought young people together through sport, teamwork, friendship, and school pride, and today we proudly continue that tradition.
"I thank all the teachers, coordinators, umpires, officials, volunteers, and organisers who have worked tirelessly to make this week possible."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"For so many regional kids, Country Week is a highlight of their school year.
"We know families are juggling a lot, especially when it comes to travel and this support is about making the trip to Perth a little bit easier.
"It's great to see even more students taking part this year, and I hope they all have a fantastic week."
