Essential school supplies have been provided to local children thanks to the generous donations of residents, businesses and community organisations through the Soroptimist International Mandurah Return to School Project.
Now in it's sixth year, the project supported seven Mandurah primary schools and six schools across the Peel region, while also assisting Ovis Community Services with much-needed school supplies.
Items were collected through multiple drop-off points across Mandurah and the wider Peel region.
Mandurah Primary School Principal Natasha Upcott said the program plays a vital role in helping students start the year ready to learn.
“It’s so important that our students are equipped and ready for learning, and this project provides crucial support for families who may be unable to purchase necessary school supplies,” Mrs Upcott said.
“What began as a small program supporting just one or two schools six years ago has grown enormously, and it’s fantastic to see it now helping children right across our region.”
Return to School Project Lead Dawn Mitchell said the initiative reflects Soroptimist International’s core values of empowerment and equality.
“Soroptimist is about empowerment and equality, and this project is all about ensuring students have the correct tools to succeed and feel equal alongside their peers,” Mrs Mitchell said.
“We simply wouldn’t be able to deliver this program without the incredible generosity of our community, including the businesses and individuals who offered their premises as drop-off points.”
Member for Mandurah Rhys Williams said the project demonstrated the power of community-led support.
“The Return to School Project is a practical way our community can make a real difference for local kids,” Mr Williams said.
“These donations help ensure children across Mandurah and the Peel start the school year with what they need to learn, participate and feel confident in the classroom.”
Mr Williams said he was proud to see the initiative in action locally.
“It was great to see the generosity of the Mandurah community firsthand, from using my office as a drop-off point to delivering supplies to Mandurah Primary School,” he said.
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