With school bags packed, lunchboxes back in action, and classrooms buzzing once again, families across Central Queensland have well and truly returned to the rhythm of the school year.
For CatholicCare Central Queensland, this signals the conclusion of another busy and rewarding School Savvy CQ season.
Over a week in mid-January, our School Savvy CQ teams opened pop-up shops across Bundaberg, the Capricorn Coast, Gladstone, Gracemere, Mackay, Mount Morgan, and Rockhampton, welcoming families from right across the Diocese.
This year also marked the eighth year the program has supported Central Queensland families through the back-to-school period.
Inside the pop-up shops, shoppers could purchase essential booklist stationery and second-hand school uniforms at extremely low cost, with most items priced between $1 and $5 and some items available free of charge.
At several locations, generous local hairdressers volunteered their time to provide free haircuts, helping more than 160 children head into the new school year feeling fresh and confident.
Across the week, our shops welcomed more than 4,200 visitors and supported over 2,670 children with essential back-to-school resources.
Beyond the numbers, our teams connected with parents juggling tight household budgets, children excitedly choosing their first school supplies, and families relieved to find practical support as the cost of everyday living continues to rise. These conversations reflect the heart of what School Savvy is all about.
As a Catholic social service organisation, CatholicCare is committed to walking alongside individuals and families experiencing hardship, and School Savvy is one of the many ways this commitment comes to life each year.
Through practical, dignity-focused support, the program helps ease financial pressure and remove barriers that can stand in the way of a child’s education.
School Savvy is made possible through the generosity of official sponsors, local businesses, community organisations, and the many individuals who give their time, resources, and support year after year.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated items, volunteered, shared our message, or supported the program this year.
Together, the Central Queensland community continues to make a meaningful difference for families at a time when practical support truly matters.
