Newstead Primary School was built in 1877, but with the help of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, it’s moving into the future.
With four classrooms and 80 students, Principal Kathy Callander says the school has community at its heart.
“Because we are so small we have to think about supporting everyone… We’re big on community spirit and working together,” she says. “In our whole town, there’s a big interest in sustainability and looking after the environment.”
When the scheme launched in November 2023, the school council realised there wasn’t going to be a refund point in Newstead and saw an opportunity.
“Being in a small community, we can’t just keep asking for money. You can do the chocolate drives and the fun runs, and they’re amazing, but you’re asking the same people over and over.
“The more we talked about it, the more we thought, this could raise us money, but it doesn’t cost our supporters anything,” she said.
There is a time commitment – Newstead’s collection efforts are largely organised by one keen, generous parent.
“We do everything. If people would like to, they can donate to the school through the [CDS Vic] apps. We found within our own township, they just want to drop them off somewhere, so we’ve organised places around town, as well as at school,” Kathy said.
“Danielle who runs it has bins at her block. We’ve got a great community – people are really respectful with the drop off points.”
Volunteers also post reminders about the program on local social media pages, and the school works with local sports clubs, the men’s shed, and a music festival.
So far, the school has raised around $7000, which has gone towards new playground equipment and phonics readers.
“Our goal for this year is to raise another $5000,” Kathy said.
More power to them.
Want to get involved?
- Check out our map for your nearest refund point
- Learn more about how your school can get involved
- Head to Newstead Primary School’s website
