Junee’s primary schools’ sporting kits have been jazzed up for summer, with help from the Junee Correctional Centre.
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Inmates at the centre fundraised by taking part in their own matches at the jail, with the ultimate goal of giving back.
“They thought this would be a good idea to promote kids to live a healthier lifestyle and stay active,” Trevor Coles, offender services manager said.
Three kits were bought with the proceeds, worth approximately $1,000 each and jam-packed with gear for all three primary schools.
Junee Correctional Centre general manager Scott Brideoake said the fundraiser was a new idea initiated by the inmates.
“They like to give back and realise the importance of staying active,” Mr Brideoake said.
Year 6 student Ella Henderson from St Joseph’s Primary said she hoped to make the most of the gear before starting high school.
“It’s pretty cool. There’s a lot of old equipment at school so I hope we get to use it a bit before we finish,” she said.
Kay Thurston, Junee North principal, said the kits will help the school realise its priority of tackling obesity and keeping children active.
“It’s amazing, sport plays a huge role at our school right across the curriculum and we’re forever replacing old equipment,” she said.
“It’s very much appreciated and I know the kids will get a lot of enjoyment and use out of it.”
Continuing the charitable trend, GEO also currently has a number of Youth in Focus scholarships up for grabs.
Individuals are eligible to receive up to $2,500 with a $10,000 pool of funds all up.
The categories are academic excellence, sporting distinction and creative arts.
“The GEO Group takes great pleasure in being able to provide a significant financial opportunity for a number of young Junee residents,” Haley Robertson, spokesperson for the jail, said.
Any Junee resident aged between 13 and 25 is encouraged to apply with previous recipients also accepted.
The applications close on Friday, December 22 at 4pm.