The Burren Junction Primary School Parents and Citizens Association has raised $50,000 to help pay for an extra teacher at the school following a significant rise in enrolments.
Student numbers have increased from 45 in 2012 to 66 this year, 12 students short of the threshold at which the government will fund an additional teacher.
Donations from local and corporate businesses, as well as the proceeds from a luncheon held on “Gorian” Station near Burren Junction, enabled the P&C to well exceed its target of $30,000.
One hundred and fifty people attended the fundraiser event, travelling from Narrabri, Dubbo, Moree, Walgett and Coonamble.
Organiser, Sarah Ball, says the P and C wanted to address a serious challenge the school is facing in terms of student numbers and teaching resources.
“Last year we had an influx of students at the school, but it wasn’t enough to meet the requirements for the government to fully fund a fourth teacher.
“We’re using the money to partly pay for an extra teacher this year, as well as additional teaching requirements over the next 2 years.”
She says there were a number of factors that contributed to their success.
“We haven’t had a major fundraiser for a while, so we’re not constantly hitting people up for money.
“I think people also realise how tough we’re doing it out here, from Burren to Walgett is a whole different kettle of fish compared to Narrabri when it comes to dealing with the drought.
“The banks and agribusiness outlets have decided to stick by us, it’s important for sponsors to be seen to be supporting communities during this drought.”