By Lucy Waldron
Schools across the Southern Downs are celebrating a significant financial boost thanks to the Go for Gold funding and the School and Community Food Relief Program.
This funding will facilitate playground upgrades and food relief initiatives, enhancing both physical infrastructure and student well-being.
Warwick East State School is one of the beneficiaries and their Principal, Stephen Reid said the school is ecstatic to receive funding for their playground.
“Playgrounds are an essential part of the social, emotional and physical development of our young people and their role in schools is critical to this development,” Mr Reid said.
“Unfortunately, playgrounds are often an overlooked aspect of education that has often been left to P&C’s to fund and apply for grants for.
“We plan to use the funds to develop a much needed sensory playground to assist students in learning how to self regulate.”
Glennie Heights State School also received funding, Principal Paul O’mara said they are very appreciative of the grant that will allow the school to erect permanent shade structures over the junior playground and the prep sand play area.
Amiens State School are also excited to upgrade their sporting facilities with the Go for Gold funding. Principal, Tarnia Trimble said providing opportunities for the students to engage in a variety of sports is very important to the school.
“We look forward to updating our sporting facilities to ensure a safe and engaging space for our students to develop their skills and participate in physical activities,” Ms Trimble said.
“The funding will be used to improve our multi-purpose court including the installation of lighting and new basketball structures. It will also repair and resurface our cricket pitch and include the addition of a shed to store sports equipment for greater accessibility.
“We hope these upgrades and additions will provide opportunities for our students to further develop their sporting skills, and promote student and community engagement whilst ensuring the safety and well-being of all.”
Leyburn State School secured both the Go for Gold funding and the School and Community Food Relief Program grant.
Acting Principal Karen Lynch shared her excitement, noting that the funds will be used to build a permanent shade cover over the existing outdoor court. “
This will ensure our students have access to an all-weather area that is also sun-safe and available to the Leyburn community,” Ms Lynch said.
The school also plans to use the food relief funding to continue offering weekly breakfast to students, easing the morning routine for parents and ensuring students start their day with a healthy meal.
The funding comes as part of a broader initiative by the state government.
Premier Steven Miles announced a $15 million boost for the School and Community Food Relief Program in the upcoming state budget, aimed at providing direct support to schools in communities facing high living costs and food insecurity.
This initiative is set to offer free school breakfasts and lunches, expand healthy snack programs, and support other health and well-being initiatives for students.
In total, 277 Queensland state schools will share $68 million to upgrade their playgrounds and tuckshops, with each school able to apply for up to $500,000. The funds will be used for various improvements, including replacing surfacing, installing shade structures, and upgrading kitchen facilities.
The Go for Gold Fund, which will distribute over $30 million to 97 schools, aims to improve sporting infrastructure across the state, prioritising areas outside South East Queensland.
Since its inception in 2022, the Eat Right, Play Right, Learn Well initiative has provided funding to 427 individual state schools, supporting both playground and tuckshop upgrades.
The Go for Gold funding and the School and Community Food Relief Program have also resulted in playground upgrades for Warwick West State School and Wallangarra State School.
