Former cleaner's surprise mat message

By Zoe McMaugh

Jun 13, 2025

Laurie Nelson puts the finishing touches on her 'mat art' for the Deni North School students.

Deniliquin North School students returned to school on Tuesday to a special surprise.

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Their beloved former cleaner Laurie Nelson returned to Deniliquin for the long weekend, and just had to leave one of her famous ‘mat art’ creations for the students to discover.

Before relocating to South Australia at the end of 2024, Ms Nelson would use a vacuum and a bit of creativity each night to create an artwork on the memory foam mat in the Year 1/2 classroom.

The joy of her creations spread outside the classroom, especially after it was shared on the NSW Department of Education’s Facebook page to the entire state.

Deni North teacher Carly Crothers said the special gift was thoroughly enjoyed by the students.

“While in town, Laurie stopped by to do one last piece,” Mrs Crothers said.

“It was a collage of some of the other artworks she did last year.

“They (the students) absolutely loved it.

“Three classes came through; two containing students from last year, who recognised the parts of the collage, plus this year’s Year 1/2 class who were completely delighted.”

By Zoe McMaugh

Senior journalist