General News
9 February, 2026
How weekly shopping is quietly powering Stawell’s community
EVERY week, hundreds of Stawell residents walk through the doors of their local IGA to pick up the essentials, knowing their groceries are quietly helping fund schools, emergency services and community groups across the town. Over the past year alone, the Ritchies IGA Community Benefit Program has returned tens of thousands of dollars to Stawell organisations, including Stawell Primary School, which received $4,405.78 through the initiative.
Acting principal Scott Rathgaber said the funding had a direct and visible impact on the school community.
“It’s vital for us,” Mr Rathgaber said, “We used the funds last year to help run our end-of-year community event, bringing the whole school community together for a fun-filled afternoon.”
The event included activities such as a petting zoo, jumping castle and food trucks, drawing students, families and community members together on school grounds.
Acting assistant principal Tayla Greene said the support ensured the event could be offered at no cost to families.
“There was no cost to parents, so everyone was able to come along, enjoy it and spend time together,” she said.
Mr Rathgaber said programs like the Ritchies Community Benefit Program helped address funding gaps that were not always obvious.
He said there can be a misconception that government schools have everything covered.
“There are always gaps,” he said, “Any support we receive from the local community goes straight back into supporting families and students.”
This year, Stawell Primary School plans to direct funds toward classroom resources, including expanding classroom libraries to support student learning.
“Not just community engagement, but the learning of our students as well,” Mr Rathgaber said.
Stawell Primary School was one of many local beneficiaries. Other notable donations included Adoptable Pet Rescue Stawell ($7,675.88), Stawell Fire Brigade ($3,730.36), SES Stawell ($3,730.36), Stawell Health ($1,810.18) and Ambulance Stawell ($1,592.13).
Community Benefit Co-ordinator Penny Sayer said the program, which began in 1993, had now returned more than $55 million to community organisations nationwide.
“The beautiful part of the program is that customers get to choose who benefits,” Ms Sayer said. “In country towns, people really value being able to keep that support local.”
For Stawell, it means the simple act of shopping locally continues to strengthen the town’s schools, services and sense of community — one grocery trip at a time.
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