Our People
5 March, 2026
College celebration delivers boost for The Cottage
STAWELL Secondary College has turned a cultural celebration into practical community support, raising $710 for The Cottage through its Chinese New Year staff banquet and dumpling stall.
The funds were formally presented recently when Mary Rita Thomas, representing The Cottage — operated by the Stawell Inter-Church Council — visited the school to accept the donation.
The Cottage provides vital food relief and practical assistance to people in need across the Stawell district, and Ms Thomas said she was deeply appreciative of the students’ efforts and the generosity shown by staff.
Head of Chinese Faculty Ms Ling said the fundraiser reflected both the spirit of the celebration and the values of the school community.
“Our school community has once again demonstrated the power of cultural celebration and collective generosity,” she said.
The Chinese New Year festivities featured a staff banquet, dumpling stall and cultural activities, with students taking a leading role in preparation and delivery.
“In particular, our Year 9 and VCE Chinese Language students, along with our Chinese Dancing students, played a significant role in preparing the banquet, making dumplings, running cultural activities and delivering beautiful dance performances,” Ms Ling said.
“Their hard work and teamwork were truly commendable.”
Ms Ling said the event extended beyond fundraising, offering students meaningful opportunities to engage in authentic cultural learning.
“We hope the festivities have further inspired students’ passion for language learning and deepened their appreciation for community involvement and service,” she said.
The $710 raised will assist The Cottage in continuing its food relief work for individuals and families across the Stawell community.
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