Schools benefit from SpringFest boost

DESPITE the cancellation of SpringFest Market Sunday in 2021 due to COVID-safety, the Rotary Club of Ballarat has continued to support the annual event’s community partners.

About $15,000 was raised by the SpringFest committee in total, with beneficiaries Phoenix P-12 Community College, Mount Egerton, Bungaree and Miners Rest primary schools each receiving a portion.

The funds were raised during the Ballarat Carols by Candlelight Christmas Market, the SpringFest raffle, and at a harness racing dinner.

SpringFest director Rob Glass said all the community partners have agreed to get back on board for another 12 months.

“We’re very happy they’re able to do that, and we’re pleased to have raised this much money in the climate we’ve come through,” he said.

“We hope to improve on it in 2022. Planning is well underway to hold SpringFest in its normal location on the Lake Wendouree foreshore.”

The Miners Rest school and kindergarten communities have received $2500 which principal Dale Power said will be put into the development of their outdoor space.

“The school will be able to purchase and install a new climbing ropes playground that will be able to be used by both the school and kindergarten students for many years to come,” he said.

“This playground will complement the expansion of the school and new play facilities.”

Mount Edgerton Primary School are using their $1250 to purchase science, technology, engineering and maths equipment, and new books to complement their Sounds Write program learning.

Bungaree Primary’s art room and ‘Kids Kitchen’ upgrades will be boosted by their $1250, and $2500 is set to benefit the school community at Phoenix College.

SpringFest Market Sunday is planned for Sunday, 27, November, and the Club has booked in a harness racing fundraising night for Friday, 7 October.