A hand up for education

For many families in the Maroondah community, the rising cost of living, including education costs, is becoming an increasing challenge. Schoolbooks, uniforms and excursions – essential elements of a child’s learning journey – are becoming more difficult to afford.

Our Ringwood Conference is working hard to change that.

With the support of the Maroondah City Council’s Community Development Grant, the conference provides much-needed assistance to families facing financial hardship, ensuring that children have access to the resources they need to thrive at school.

Since first receiving a grant in 2019, the Ringwood Conference has successfully secured four grants from the Maroondah Council, with the most recent in 2024. “The Maroondah Grant has been instrumental in allowing us to assist struggling families,” said Anton Halabut, Ringwood Conference Treasurer.

These grants have enabled members to collaborate closely with local primary schools, working directly with principals to identify children in need. The focus is on supporting students in their formative years, providing essential educational items so that no child feels left behind.

Anton noted, “Today, we live in a world where people can easily feel isolated. This initiative helps bring together members of St Vincent de Paul Society, school principals, teachers and families with the goal of ensuring children have an opportunity for education.”

Through this initiative, the conference has expanded its outreach, helping families who may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Requests for assistance come through a central Welfare Assistance Call Centre before being directed to the appropriate local conference. The grant enables the Ringwood team to act swiftly, offering targeted support to children who need it most.

The impact of this work is continuously being felt within the community. With the grant’s support, the Ringwood Conference provides schools with funding for education, excursions and essential supplies. Grateful parents have shared how this support has not only eased their financial burden but also boosted their children’s confidence in the classroom.

By ensuring children have access to the resources they need, the Maroondah Grant does more than just cover costs – it provides hope.

The Ringwood Conference is deeply grateful for the continued support of the Maroondah City Council and looks forward to further strengthening its impact in the community.