Billanook College has put in a huge effort for bushfire relief as well as helping the Kinglake Preschool to re-open.LOCAL independent school, Billanook College, draws many students from the Yarra Valley and Marysville areas and as a result many of its families and staff members were badly affected by the recent devastating bushfires.
There was considerable loss of property and, unfortunately, life from within the school community.
The college families, students and staff alike rallied to provide support for those in need and arranged a family fund raising dinner and auction in the college gymnasium.
The event was attended by 362 people and was generously supported by a wide range of businesses and friends of the college, including sporting celebrities who gave their time for the cause.
The night was deemed a success, with the main auction and silent auction raising more than $45,000.
The event, combined with the Billanook bushfire appeal for cash donations, is expected to raise more than $100,000.
The college community also ran an appeal for goods for the Kinglake Preschool, to enable its staff and kindergarten students to return to some semblance of normality. The preschool was completely devastated in the fires and was trying to re-open.
As a result of the appeal, an army truck and the college bus were packed with a wide variety of goods– even a photocopier – to enable the kindergarten to get ready for opening.
The principal, Alan Ross, together with students from the primary and secondary schools, travelled to Kinglake to deliver the supplies.
Mr Ross and the students met with some of the bushfire survivors and were very moved by the devastation they saw.
Billanook College offers Saturday morning tours. The next college tour is scheduled for Saturday 21 March. For further information, contact the Registrar, Josephine Reed on 9724 1179.
