Celebrating a huge funding win for the students of Gravesend Public School, Makiitah Washington, left, Elly Withers, Annabelle Todd, Michael Brennan, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Sam Peachey, Clancy Barwick, Maggie Brown, Principal Jackie Todd and Islah Washington.
Tuesday, 20 September 2022
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall last week joined staff and students at Gravesend Public School to announce a $10,533 State Government grant to support an innovative program which aims to increase the school’s fundraising capacity through student entrepreneurial projects.
Earlier in the year, the Gravesend Public School students participated in the 2022 UNE SMART Region Incubator’s Illuminate Community Challenge, a workshop which focused on developing business ideas based on community needs.
Mr Marshall said from this workshop, the students decided to start their own local businesses – Gravo Grub – a market stall to sell the produce from their school garden and Gravo Games, a portable games trailer that the community can hire.
“Once the students decided to create their own small businesses, they have been busy seeking support from various avenues to get them up and running,” Mr Marshall said.
“Their first plan, Gravo Grub, they thought would be the perfect solution to dealing with excess produce from the school’s vegetable garden.
“As the community’s closest store is 25 kilometres away, the students decided a roadside market stand with an honesty box system would help local families with their fresh produce needs and their grocery bills.
“Their next business venture, Gravo Games, a portable games trailer was settled on when the students identified that most local events were adult focused.
“The trailer will contain a minimum of five fun, active outdoor games which will be available for hire at community events and parties. They also hope to set up an online booking platform for clients to use.”
All the funds raised from these ventures will go towards improvements to the school.
“I was so impressed with these plan and the school community’s enthusiasm for the projects that I fully supported their request for funding, so I’m delighted the Premier has provided this one-off funding to get them up and running,” the MP said.
Gravesend Public School Principal Jackie Todd said the experience gave the students a great opportunity to build business skills and promote creative thinking.
“The Illuminate Challenge workshop in Moree was run by Illuminate Education Australia and supported by the UNE SMART Region Incubator (SRI) team, focusing entrepreneurial thinking and idea generating,” Ms Todd said.
“The core focus of the challenge was to inspire and activate more young people to be confident, creative and capable people who reach their full potential.
“This is real life experience that allows our students to take risks and build their capacity to develop a business idea, seek funding support and ensure they have the planning to bring their idea to life.
“With supporters like Adam Marshall, UNE SMART Region Incubator team, local experts and our Premier, student voices can be heard across the state and with their educators behind them, they can feel successes in areas we only dreamed about when we went to school.”