Be Inspired and Get into the Gift of Giving This Year with the 2025 CRT Primary Schools Program

The success of the program is represented by the improvements and the establishment of new programs right across Australia. At Harlin State School in South-East Queensland, program funding presented by Kilcoy Rural helped create a permaculture garden, worm farm, compost bin and supply essential tools. This was welcomed support, after the school’s garden and composting was destroyed by drought several years ago. Harlin principal Joanne McCormick commented “farming is a critical component of our students’ lives. As greater technology allows for greater advancement in agricultural techniques, some of the students could be on the forefront of economy, land care and the next technological breakthrough.”

Other schools noted the additional support from CRT alleviates pressure on the P&F Associations, particularly during difficult years or when looking to fund a major project. Peachester State School utilised program funding to further their successful kitchen garden program, which not only provides “essential life skills” for students, but also links the school “with our community, with many volunteers coming and helping the students, but also sharing the beautiful garden produce among our school community,” says Kim Fillery, Peachester principal.

Similarly, Mallala Primary School in regional South Australia established their own garden, chicken coop and sustainability initiatives to enrich hands-on learning across food production systems, sustainability, healthy eating and more.

Each year, 25 schools are awarded the $2,000 gifts, with over 100 applicants annually. For CRT, investing in our rural and regional communities at a primary school level, helps expand access for younger generations to learning opportunities and fosters a positive connection to community from an early age.

Don’t delay, applications close 6th May 2025

Additional information

The gift is intended for projects or activities that are above and beyond government funding and are deemed a requirement for the school.

Some examples may include:

• New or improved infrastructure
• Learning resources
• Sporting equipment
• Technological improvements or upgrades
• Extra-curricular activities
• Cultural enrichment
• Excursions

Help support your local rural or regional primary school by sharing this with rural leaders, educator and community champions who can make a difference!

Reference List:

GC News. Gaynor. M. (2022). Peachester Grows Its Garden.

The Gazette. (2023). Grant Enables School Playground Upgrades.

Somerset News. (2023). Harlin School Receives Grant For Kitchen Garden Program.