Community
23 October, 2025
St Thomas’ fundraiser reaches $20k
THE community rallied around St Thomas’ Primary School over the weekend, raising more than $20,000 to benefit students.
The school’s Parents and Friends Committee on Saturday evening hosted the 2025 Goods and Services Auction as part of its major fundraiser.
As the final hammer struck, the auction and raised $21,020.
Parents and Friends Committee fundraising coordinator Melissa Irving said the wider St Thomas’ Primary School community appreciated the support.
“We had the auction online for two weeks prior and raised $13,000 online before the live auction on Saturday night raised a further $7000,” she said.
“We’re extremely happy with the result.”
Ms Irving said the committee had discussions regarding if the fundraiser should proceed given the difficult economic conditions for so many.
“We understand things have been extremely difficult for a lot of industries this year so we did contemplate if we would run with it or not,” she said.
“We thought, at least this way, an auction is open to people who can bid on something they need or want rather than, such as through raffle tickets, something they may not really need or want.
“It doesn’t put pressure on families if they don’t want to bid on something.”
Ms Irving thanked all those who had donated items, with everything from farming services to homemade treats available among the dozens of items.
“We’re so thankful for everything donated,” she said.
“Businesses are asked for donations quite often from different organisations all the time, so it means a lot to us for so many people to have contributed.”
Ms Irving said the committee will now assess how the funding could be spent, with upgrades for sporting infrastructure emerging as a popular choice.
“We want to do it for the kids, and our committee works well together to make sure we can bring little luxuries to the school,” she said.
“There’s a few options we’re looking at.
“We would like to get some mud kitchens for the junior students in the sandpit area, we’re also looking at potentially adding a cricket pitch on one of the ovals, and also upgrading the basketball and netball rings at the courts.”
Ms Irving offered her thanks to everyone who supported the fundraising efforts.
“Thank you to all the families and businesses who continued to the auction, be it through the donation or purchases in the auction,” she said.
“For everyone who took the time to look online and bid, we appreciate it.
“It gives people options and we found the online approach captures the wider community beyond just our school community.
“All of it goes back to the kids so it is worthwhile.”
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