17 February 2025
Trooper Nigel Cox has developed a strong and continuous bond with Mt Alford State School over the past six years, and it all started with one photograph taken more than a century ago.
In 1918, the school unveiled its WW1 memorial, which was extremely important to the region at the time.
Maroon, one of the town’s closest neighbours, had the highest casualty rate in the country with more than 40 per cent of its serving citizens being injured or losing their lives.
But this photo was lost to time until 2003, when historian Jeff Hopkins-Weise found it in a second-hand book store and then handed in to the Army Museum at Victoria Barracks, Brisbane, where Trooper Cox works.
It stayed there until 2018, when it was rediscovered and Trooper Cox hand-delivered it back to the school.
A story that could have ended there developed into something much more, with the school staff identifying and appreciating Trooper Cox’s strong devotion to history and leadership development.
As a result, he has returned to the school ever since for war commemorations, speech nights and school camps, doing everything from handing out peace medals as a nod to the post-war tradition of the 20th century, to leading the way on obstacle and adventure courses.
“It’s especially great with the school camps and the activities they get to do – I think most adults wouldn't have the guts to do it,” Trooper Cox said.
“I normally get pulled in and used as the guinea pig for the activities, but it’s great."
His continuous service to the school has seen him dubbed “Trooper Nigel”, and remembered by the students even as they progress through the grades.
“It’s great to be there and see that some of the kids I met at the start of this journey still recognise me and say, ‘Hey Trooper Nigel’, and ask how I am,” he said.
“There’s definitely a connection and the hierarchy of the school and the principal has been really supportive.”
'The connection between the students and Trooper Nigel has withstood the test of time.'
Mt Alford State School teaching aide Helen Turnbull says Trooper Cox’s contribution has been immense.
“Trooper Nigel has become an integral part of all our school events,” Ms Turnbull said.
“He attends leadership ceremonies, dawn services, school camps, Year 6 graduation and End of Year Concert.
“Our students love to see Trooper Nigel. They get excited when they know he is coming.
“Since his first visit in 2018 he has had a huge impact on our school, encouraging our students to try their best, look after their mates and have pride in themselves and their school.”
He also played a key part in the development of the Camp Crusader award, which is given at the end of every school camp to the student who displays the best courage, mateship, teamwork, leadership, and encouragement of others.
Last year delivered a special moment for Trooper Cox, who recreated the photo with the then-school captains, who have now graduated from high school.
Ms Turnbull says she is not surprised the students remember Trooper Cox and are more than happy to take part in the moment.
“The connection between the students and Trooper Nigel has withstood the test of time,” she said.
“People who inspire students in the way he does always hold a special place in their memories.”
