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In the heart of Cairns, Centacare FNQ’s School Savvy initiative continues to be a lifeline for families and children facing financial hardship, offering essential support during the costly back-to-school season. Since its creation in 2016, School Savvy has been driven by one simple but powerful mission: to ensure every child, regardless of their circumstances, has what they need to start the school year with dignity and confidence.
For families struggling to make ends meet, the thought of buying new school uniforms, backpacks, and supplies—especially after the holiday season—can feel overwhelming. With over 17% of children in Australia affected by poverty, and more than 30% of working adults still unable to escape its grip, School Savvy steps in where it’s needed most. The initiative collects community donations and provides subsidised school essentials, helping parents give their children the chance to start school on equal footing with their peers.
Thanks to the generosity of local supporters, School Savvy has grown far beyond its humble beginnings. What started as a way to recycle pre-loved uniforms and stationery now includes an estimated $25,000 worth of new supplies donated each year. Local businesses, including a significant contribution from the local Toyota dealership, have joined the cause, ensuring more children are set up for success.
But School Savvy is about more than just school supplies. It’s about creating opportunities and hope for the future. In partnership with Major Training Group, the initiative has expanded to offer a Certificate I in Workplace Skills proudly funded by the Queensland Government through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, providing education and training to individuals from diverse backgrounds. This six-month program empowers participants with the skills they need to enter the workforce, opening doors to employment and personal growth. The most recent group of trainees, consisting of five individuals, all completed the course successfully, which has seen the program expand—doubling in size to 10 participants ready to start their journey towards brighter futures.
None of this would be possible without the ongoing support of the community. St Vincent de Paul, a major partner, provides collection points, shop fittings, and transport, while local stationery companies offer wholesale supplies to keep the shelves of the pop-up shop stocked. Thanks to these efforts, every year more and more children are able to start school with the essentials they need to thrive.
School Savvy is a shining example of how kindness, compassion, and collaboration can change lives. But the need is ongoing, and with your help, we can reach even more families in need. Whether it’s donating pre-loved uniforms, making a monetary contribution, or volunteering your time, there are many ways to get involved. You can also take part in the Pack-a-Pencil Case initiative, where you can purchase or fill a pencil case to donate to a child in need.
As this initiative continues to grow, so do the opportunities for children and families in Cairns and beyond. If you or your organisation can offer support, please follow this LINK to learn how you can make a difference. Please, contact Katrina, School Savvy’s volunteer coordinator for more information: (07) 4242 1058 . Together, we can continue to uplift the Cairns community, ensuring every child starts the school year with hope, pride, and the tools they need to succeed.