STUDENTS from Korumburra Secondary College are making a real difference in their community through a powerful show of compassion and initiative.
As part of their Personal Development Skills unit in the VCE VM (Victorian Pathways Certificate) program, Year 11 and 12 students launched a food drive to support Milpara Community House’s food relief program – collecting non-perishable food items to help locals experiencing food insecurity.
The student-led initiative formed part of an assessment task titled Community Action: Supporting Wellbeing Through Food Relief, designed to develop leadership, planning and community engagement skills.
Over a four-week period, students planned, promoted and carried out the food collection campaign across the school demonstrating a deep commitment to the health and wellbeing of their local community.
One student said the class recognised the growing issue of food insecurity in the community, and highlighted Milpara House for its support in making a difference.
The campaign included eye-catching posters, school announcements, decorated collection boxes, and social media outreach to encourage donations.
Staff and students across all year levels responded generously, with boxes of tinned food, pasta, rice, cereal and other staples quickly filling up.
Personal Development Skills teacher Stacie Witton praised the students for their initiative and teamwork.
“This project gave students the opportunity to apply real-world skills while supporting an important cause. They learned how to plan, promote and carry out a project that has genuine community impact,” she said.
The food drive culminated in a delivery of donations to Milpara Community House, where staff expressed heartfelt appreciation for the students’ contribution.
The food will now be distributed to individuals and families facing hardship in Korumburra and the surrounding areas.
Milpara Community House is located at the Korumburra Community Hub – 15 Little Commercial Street, Korumburra.
Community members in need of support can contact Milpara Community House on 5655 2524 or visit milparacommunityhouse.org.au for information on how to access food relief and other wellbeing services.
This initiative is a shining example of how education and empathy go hand-in-hand.
The students of Korumburra Secondary College have shown that even small actions – like collecting cans of soup or packets of pasta – can make a big difference in people’s lives.