Emma Pritchard

Several students at Grafton High School (GHS) were excited to take delivery of a 25-seater Mitsubishi ROSA on September 17.

Affectionately named ‘Rosie’, the coach will provide vital transportation for the boys and girls, enabling them to access and participate in additional community engagements, sporting events, and excursions they previously may have been unable to attend due to chronic illness, financial hardship, disability, or geographic isolation.

Presented through the Variety Sunshine Coach Program on behalf of Woolworths and Variety NSW/ACT, who have been working together in partnership since 2013 in support of children, ‘Rosie’ will help to make a positive impact on the lives of the students who rely on the service.

Relieving Principal of GHS Lisa Hill told the Clarence Valley Independent the arrival of ‘Rosie’ means a great deal to the local high school, and said the collaborative contributions of funds raised between GHS, Variety NSW/ACT, and Woolworths to purchase the coach has truly exemplified the power of community support.

“’Rosie’ will provide invaluable transport, ensuring our students can access and participate in a range of different experiences and open doors to countless opportunities for exploration and engagement in various curriculum and extra-curricular activities,” she revealed.

“The school has contributed $80000 towards the cost of the coach, and the kids are super excited that it is here.

“We’re very appreciative to Variety NSW/ACT and Woolworths for their collaboration which has assisted us in receiving it.”

Head of Kids Support for Variety NSW/ACT Liz Gearing, who celebrated the arrival of ‘Rosie’ alongside GHS staff and students last week, said the Variety Sunshine Coach Program is very close to the hearts of everyone at Variety NSW/ACT because it does exactly what it says.

“It brings sunshine to the lives of thousands of children every week,” she explained.

“It’s a vital part of our mission to ensure that all children have the same opportunities in life.

“Since 1975, we have granted more than 1460 coaches to schools and community organisations all over the country to support inclusive and connected communities.

“It is through the wonderfully generous support of our long term corporate partner Woolworths that this newest sunshine coach has been made possible.

“To the students and staff at GHS, congratulations on your new coach.”

Woolworths Community Programs Manager Loretta Arrastia also journeyed to Grafton for the presentation, and extended her heartfelt sentiments to GHS staff and students while acknowledging the ongoing success of the Variety Sunshine Coach Program.

“Twice a year we (Woolworths) hold fundraisers for Variety NSW/ACT in our stores, with all the proceeds raised going directly towards this program,” she said.

“It has meant another school can assist their students in getting out into the community.

“Congratulations Grafton High School.”