Community
2 July, 2024
Big bucks for small school
BABINDA P-12 State School has been given an incredible financial boost, with a $100,000 donation from Community Bank Babinda.
Members of the Community Bank Babinda board presented a $100,000 cheque to 2024 school captains at a special assembly recently.
Following a successful grant application by the school’s P&C, school principal Rob O’Brien said online learning was critical at the school.
He said the $100,000 grant would go towards expanding the E-Learning Centre so that more students ccould be helped to excel in online learning.
“It is almost certain that by the time our students get to year 11 and 12 they are going to study at least one subject online, usually through distance education,” said Mr O’Brien.
“We are also a digital academy pilot school. This is where students at our school learn with a teacher in Brisbane,” he said.
“Expanding the E-Learning Centre, so that all students have access, has long been a priority for us.”
In addition to the successful ELC grant application, the school was also successful in obtaining a sponsorship worth $6000 to subsidise school camps and excursions, helping to keep costs down for families.
Current board co-chairwoman Kristy Gilvear said the grant to the school was the most significant community investment made by the community bank in its almost 18-year history.
“The community banking model means profits are returned to the community by supporting programs and fostering long-term prosperity,” she said.
“Therefore, one of the best ways we (the community bank) can give back to Babinda District is by investing in the school.”
Bendigo Bank Far North Queensland regional manager Kieran Herlihy said the community was to thank for the ability to provide these grants.
“It is thanks to the Babinda district community that these grants and sponsorships have happened,” he said.
“It is the community members who have chosen to ‘bank local’ that have enabled the community bank board to deliver these grants and sponsorships.”
