Kempsey will be put in the spotlight on Monday night when the ABC airs an Australian Story program about the inspirational work carried out at the Macleay Vocational College, and it's hard-working principal Mark Morrison.
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Many locals know about the support the college provides to students in the community who have fallen out of mainstream education, but now the work that goes on behind the college's doors will be showcased to all of Australia.
Mark has been the principal of the Vocational College for eight years and is humble about the ABC program.
He hopes it will highlight the generosity of Kempsey.
"It's good that the show will reflect the Macleay community in a positive way. The way in which the community gathers together and puts holistic education as a top priority for all young people, whatever their needs, is what I wanted to show," Mark said.
"I'm very proud of the Vocational College. I love being a part of the Macleay community. It's really full of highly generous people."
Mark said the college would not be here today without the woman who had the idea back in 2001 to start up a college for the young people of Kempsey.
"Jann Eason established the college with around four students and ran it for 11 years. Without her passion, we wouldn't have what we do today," he said.
129 students are now enrolled at the college, as well as the young mothers who attend the Ginda Barri centre.
"The ABC spent two weeks on the story and had so much footage they will also be releasing a video centred on the young mothers' centre next week," Mark said.
The relationships Mark and the Vocational College staff create with the students continues to make the college unique in its approach to education.
"Having positive relationships with the young people, along with the generosity of the community, we can continue providing education for the students and give them a sense of belonging," he said.
"I'm very fortunate to live in this community, the generosity is also in the hearts of the young people.
"I hope having our Vocational College out there will inspire other towns to do the same to support their community."
Australian Story 'Eye of the Storm' will air on Monday, November 4, at 8pm on ABCTV and iview.
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