Community
7 August, 2025
Students lead fundraiser
ST Colman’s Primary School’s major raffle will return for another year thanks to the ongoing support of local businesses and the wider community.
The school this week launched the return of the raffle due to popular demand.
There had been some trepidations regarding the decision to host the raffle due to the drought conditions impacting so many farming families, but St Colman’s Primary School principal Janet Cain said the school received a nod of support from families to go ahead.
“We discussed with the school board whether we would run it again because so many people in our community are struggling financially,” she said.
“They were quite certain we would be able to continue with the raffle again to try and make it a success.
“It’s a great raffle because we rely so much on the local community and businesses to provide the prizes but it also means people shopping locally and supporting our local business owners.”
The school will return with its ‘Local Loot Draw’ which includes three prizes which can be spent at participating stores.
The first prize will see a lucky winner walk away with $3000 in vouchers to spend across 13 participating stores in Mortlake.
Second prize will receive a $1000 neighbourhood benefit EFTPOS card courtesy of Mortlake South Wind Farm developer Acciona, which can be spent at stores throughout Terang and Mortlake.
Third prize will be a $500 voucher to spend at Bates IGA Supermarket in Mortlake.
Mrs Cain said it was important to ensure efforts to support the school would also have a positive impact for local businesses.
“People enjoyed the ‘Local Loot’ approach which provided a range of vouchers to spend across local businesses,” she said.
“Last year we had a family involved with the school who won and they were able to come and tell us about all the amazing things they had got to buy with their winnings.
“It was exciting to hear and puts in perspective how many incredible goods and services are available in our town.”
The raffle has proven a success for the school since it was launched in 2021.
Last year the school sold 415 tickets and raised $8814.35.
The funds over the past few years have been used to help fund a new undercover and soft-court area, and technological upgrades for students.
“Thank you to all the businesses who have supported us in donating prizes and everyone who digs deep to buy a ticket,” Mrs Cain said.
“We’re particularly grateful to Acciona, Bates IGA Supermarket and Scotts Betta Electrical as our major sponsors.”
Students will also take turns selling tickets outside Bates IGA Supermarket on Fridays and Saturdays throughout August.
Tickets are available for $25 and can be purchased from the front office at St Colman’s Primary School.
The raffle will be drawn at the school’s annual trivia night on September 12.
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