ACT Catholic school communities came together over the summer break to help communities impacted by the bushfires and drought. Over 300 new backpacks filled with school supplies and gift cards were delivered to bushfire affected communities in regional NSW and the South Coast. 

What started as an idea from Angela Ryan and Tracey Adamson, teachers at St Anthony’s Primary School, Wanniassa, inspired generous action from the Catholic community across the ACT. A message was shared across social media prompting other Catholic schools such as Holy Family Primary School, Gowrie, St Thomas the Apostle Primary School, Kambah and St John Vianney’s Primary School, Waramanga to get involved. The school community at Holy Spirit Primary School, Nicholls, took up a collection of gift cards to be donated to families in need.

The Principals hand delivered the backpacks and gift cards to schools in areas impacted by the bushfires. These generous donations were intended to assist families to be ready for school from the first day of Term 1. The hope was that the return to ‘normal’ would help to begin the healing process.

Tracey Adamson, a teacher at St Anthony’s, spoke of wanting to do something small and practical.

“The response has been overwhelming,” said Tracey. “We liked the idea that children could be involved in giving to others, regardless of personal connection to the fires. It has given us a sense of purpose.”

In the Archdiocese there were at least 12 school communities who were directly affected by the fires. In particular, areas of the South Coast (Batehaven, Moruya, Broulee, Pambula), Braidwood, Batlow, Adelong, Bombala, Bega, Cooma, Gundagai and Tumut. 

“Our Catholic schools are known for their generosity and compassion,” said Ross Fox, Director of Catholic Education. “These kinds of responses are typical of our Catholic school communities. I’m humbled by the resilience shown across our most impacted regions.”