Along with the Bourke School Education Director, Jane Cavanagh, Mr Gaudry toured the new buildings and discussed the Aboriginal Learning Programs run by the school, and said he was very impressed with the new buildings and the dedication of the staff.

"These sorts of facilities should be in every school.

"It's good to come here just to see the professionalism of the teachers and how they involve the Aboriginal elders and tutors in the school, to help improve literacy and numeracy levels."

He said he was also being made aware of any issues the schools and communities may have.

The visit also gave Mr Gaudry a chance to develop a wider understanding of educational issues across western NSW through discussions with the Western NSW Regional Director of Schools, Carole McDiarmid, Bourke School Education Director, Jane Cavanagh and Dubbo School Education Director, Michael Cavanagh.

Mr Gaudry oversees Aboriginal Development Programs which involve 22 Aboriginal communities across the State and focus on issues such as community housing, sewerage and water supply.

He said Lightning Ridge was doing well in Aboriginal Development Programs compared to many other towns through the initiative of the community.

Mr Gaudry also visited Goodooga Central, Weilmoringle and Bourke public schools last week.

He said he was very impressed by the students from Goodooga Central School when they performed We Are Australian as part of the school's Yuwaalaraay language program.

Mr Gaudry said the school played an important role in fostering a wider understanding of Aboriginal heritage.

"The fact that I spoke to a Year 9 Aboriginal student doing IT as one of his TAFE courses, shows that the school is giving the community the capacity to keep up with modern trends," Mr Gaudry said.

"But it is also (giving the capacity) to hold on those aspects of traditional culture that are important in building and retaining a sense of community.

"I've noticed the real enthusiasm of the teaching staff, and highlights the importance of dedicated teacher working in communities, especially when they are a bit off the beaten track."