By Monique Ebrington
UPPER Yarra Secondary College got a kick out of the $10,000 worth of new sporting equipment they received this month.
The school received more than 30 new sleeping bags and a new canoe trailer as part of a joint sponsorship effort between Warburton, Yarra Junction District and the Woori Yallock Community Banks.
Upper Yarra High principal Michael Hill said the new equipment would be a great asset to students and the school community and that he was amazed by the community bank’s continued support.
“We found it very impressive that two community banks came together to help support us,” Mr Hill said. “We aim to challenge our outdoor education classes as they participate in activities such as an overnight Powelltown walk and an alpine camp-out. We used to have to hire out special equipment. This new equipment has allowed us to drop down our prices for activities. “We’ve been blown away again by the generosity of the community banks by showing their investment in young people.”
Upper Yarra Sports teacher Todd Stebbing said students went on overnight camps each term and the new equipment would be a great benefit to disadvantaged students. “Our camps are a great benefit to students -they help boost self-esteem, help develop leadership qualities and plenty more,” Mr Stebbing said. “We try to give students the best experience for the least amount of money and the final cost is still a huge turn away for a lot of students. This new equipment and reduction of final costs means anyone can go on camps, regardless of their family situation.”
Bendigo Bank executive officer Geoff Vickers said the community banks regularly supported education, sport, the arts, community festivals, health and a range of other community groups and organisations.
He said Upper Yarra Secondary College was a worthy recipient of sponsorship from the Warburton, Yarra Junction District and the Woori Yallock Community Banks. “The secondary college provides an invaluable service to the community of the Upper Yarra,” Mr Vickers said.