The school and other members of the Burrawang community became part of a Guinnness World Record attempt for startgazing on May 23.

The successful attempt, led by the ABC, aimed to have the most people stargazing from multiple locations across Australia at the same time. 

The score to beat was 7960 people, a record set by the ANU in 2015.

The 2018 record-beating result was more than 40,000 (the counting was continuing at the time of publication) simultaneously observing the moon through telescopes for 10 minutes from 285 registered stargazing sites.

Burrawang Public School and community attracted 67 stargazers with 25 of them officially listed for the record. The minimum number of registered stargazers at each location was 25.

Those Highlanders who cast their eyes to the sky were well rewarded on a perfect night for stargazing. The sky was clear and an abundance of stars twinkled brightly for the special occasion.

The Burrawang contribution to the record attempt was supported by Norm Britain of the Southern Highlands Stargazers and a teacher from Oxley College, who both provided equipment for the project.

Several members of the Burrawang community also stepped up in an official capacity as timekeepers, stewards, witnesses and videographers to ensure the school’s involvement met the stringent record-breaking requirements set out by the Guinness Book of Records.

Nina Culleton of Burrawang Public School said the evening was an excellent example of the community spirit of Burrawang.

“The people of Burrawang came together to help us do something special for their children,” she said.