Rous bonfire a recipe for fundraising success

HUNDREDS of families turned out for Rous Public School’s major fundraiser, enjoying bucking bull rides, gum boot throwing and a fireworks finale.

The school, which has about 90 students, has run the bonfire for 44 years, with rides, market stalls and street food making up the annual spectacular.

Students and teachers support a committee of parents who organises the event each year.

“It’s a very good recipe for fundraising and the community really gets behind it,” Rous Public School P&C president Mel Towner said.

“My husband went to the school as a kid, and he remembers when it just started out as a bit of a winter barbecue gathering.

“It’s evolved over the years into the big community event it is now — there’s always talk about what’s happening with the bonfire each year.”

The original bonfire was held to celebrate the school’s centenary in 1981.

It has since become the main fundraiser each year and a way to showcase the school to visitors from across the region.

Crowds arrive early to secure a prime position for the lighting of the giant fire, which is the heart of the event.

Funds raised help run the event each year and allow the school to upgrade its equipment and facilities.

Earlier this month, the school opened its new nature-based playground, partly funded by last year’s event.

“We have conversations with the school about what they need or anything to put the money towards,” Ms Towner said.

“We’ve put it towards technology upgrades and the new playground had been planned for a couple of years.

“The kids are a major part of it; all they want to do is help, which really makes it what it is.”