General News
11 March, 2026
Five years of breakfasts
TIMBOON P–12 School is proudly celebrating the five-year anniversary of its Breakfast Club, a program which began as a small trial at the end of 2020 between COVID lockdowns and has since become a valued and enduring part of the school week.
The Breakfast Club was primarily developed under the leadership of former principal Davin Reid, working closely with canteen stalwart Cheryl Miller and former primary assistant principal Gill Hampson, in partnership with Foodbank Victoria.
The program coincided with the necessary support for students as they returned to on-site learning after the disruption of the pandemic.
What started as a practical response to uncertain times has evolved into a cornerstone program which supports student wellbeing, connection and readiness to learn.
Held every Wednesday morning, Breakfast Club ensures all students have access to healthy, nutritious food to start the day.
Foodbank Victoria continues to provide the bulk of supplies, enabling the program to run consistently and sustainably.
Over the past five years, strong community partnerships have also helped the program flourish.
Brad Higgins from Timboon Moo Juice has generously supplied fresh pure orange juice since the program’s inception, Vitalis in Cobden donates Western Star butter and Saputo provides sliced cheese.
Their ongoing support has been instrumental in maintaining the quality and variety of food on offer.
Ms Miller said the program has had a significant impact on students and families.
“I receive so many positive comments from parents about how much their children look forward to Breakfast Club each Wednesday,” she said.
“Some students have already eaten at home but still come along for the social catch up and connection.
“It strengthens relationships between staff and students and gives everyone the chance to start the day with good, nutritious food and a positive conversation.”
Principal Matt Dodson said the Breakfast Club had become a pivotal part of the school’s culture.
“Breakfast Club has become a central part of our school week,” he said.
“Sharing food and company midweek strengthens the connections within our school community.
“It provides a wonderful opportunity for primary and secondary students to interact and build relationships.
“That sense of cohesion and belonging forms the bedrock of effective teaching and learning.”
Mr Dodson said Breakfast Club also provided support to the students who needed it most.
“It also ensures that students who need a little extra support across the week have access to healthy food,” he said.
“During the recent farming challenges and cost of living pressures, we have been able to work with Foodbank Victoria to connect families with grocery boxes and additional support beyond Wednesdays.
“In that way, the Breakfast Club has grown into something even more meaningful for our community.
“Happy, healthy and well-fed students are the necessary precursor to successful learners.
“We are incredibly proud of how this program has evolved over the past five years and grateful to the volunteers, staff and community partners who make it possible.”
From its beginnings in the shadow of the pandemic to its place today as a regular and much anticipated fixture, the Timboon P–12 School Breakfast Club stands as a testament to the power of community partnership, care and connection in supporting young people to thrive.
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