General News
1 August, 2026
Learning compassion, one can at a time
FIVE local schools and an early learning centre are doing their bit to help those experiencing homelessness. Homelessness Week commences on Monday and local schools have come together to show their support by encouraging students and teachers to donate canned and non perishable food.
The Schools Can Drive is aimed at raising awareness of homelessness while making a practical difference for local people experiencing hardship.
Coordinated by the Wimmera Homelessness Alliance (WHA), this year's Schools Can Drive encourages students, families and school communities to donate non-perishable food items to support the Stawell Interchurch initiative The Cottage, the region's local emergency relief service.
Participating schools and early learning centres include Stawell Primary School, Stawell West Primary School, Stawell Secondary College, St Patrick's Primary School, Concongella Primary School and Aussie Kindies Early Learning.
Through the initiative, students are not only helping stock local emergency relief supplies but are also learning about the realities of homelessness and housing insecurity within our community.
To support these conversations, participating schools have been provided with educational resources, current information about homelessness, and the children's book Charlie's Story, helping students
develop a compassionate understanding of the challenges some families experience.
"Children are naturally caring and compassionate," said Jess Smart from Uniting, who coordinates the Stawell Schools Can Drive.
"By giving students the opportunity to learn about homelessness and
contribute in a practical way, we're helping build empathy while supporting people in our own community who may be doing it tough."
All food donations collected through the Can Drive will be delivered to The Cottage ensuring they remain within the local community to support individuals and families accessing emergency relief.
The initiative forms part of Homelessness Week, which aims to raise awareness of homelessness, challenge misconceptions, and encourage communities to work together towards lasting solutions.
The Wimmera Homelessness Alliance says it is grateful for the support it receives from students, families, teachers and the broader community through this year’s Can Drive.
Read More: Stawell, Concongella