In March 2024, the Eyre Peninsula Community Foundation (the Foundation) has distributed $34,500 in Back to School Vouchers to students across the Eyre Peninsula. This has included 20 E-Technology Vouchers which were a new initiative.

2024 was the final round of the Back to School program. The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) announced that the program has now ended. Back to School was a national program that helped remote and rural children and young people access quality educational experiences. Since 2005 this practical, positive program helped thousands of students to engage in learning and strengthen their educational outcomes.

Since inception in 2009, in partnership with the FRRR, the Foundation has distributed over $360,000 in Back to School Vouchers in the form of a $50 shopping card to assist families in need on the EP purchase school items such as uniforms, school bags and stationery for their children starting the new school year.

Foundation Chairperson, Peter Knife said “The Foundation is very grateful to the FRRR for driving this program over the last decade. It is very clear that the need has been greater than the resources the program had available, but the assistance given to many families has been invaluable”.

Mr Knife also acknowledged the support of school principals and governing councils with the success of the Back to School Program delivery.

The Eyre Peninsula Community Foundation carefully manages a growing base of donated funds and works with philanthropic and other partners to ensure the best possible value and impact from each of its community projects, regional student advancement and home hospice services on Eyre Peninsula. The Foundation is supported by the invaluable work of the Book Bazaar volunteers and committed administrative staff.

Pictured: EPCF Director Greg Barry, and Shannon Haapanen, Port Lincoln Junior Primary Wellbeing Officer