Acts of Service: Giving Back and Making a Difference

At Girls Grammar, we believe that true leadership is embedded in compassion, empathy, and service to others. This term, our school community has once again demonstrated the power of giving back through meaningful acts of service that have touched lives both locally and globally.

During our recent Secondary Academic Assembly, we had the honour of welcoming representatives from The Shelter Collective, a Rockhampton-based organisation dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Thanks to the generosity of our students and staff, we proudly presented a donation of $802, raised through last term’s Pyjama Day and Hot Chocolate sales.

Dave Grenfell OAM, founder and passionate advocate of The Shelter Collective shared their inspiring work, which relies solely on community donations and support. One of their most impactful initiatives is MOBi 1 — a mobile outreach bus that delivers meals, showers, laundry services, and support directly to those sleeping rough or in housing distress. In a region where housing affordability and homelessness are growing concerns, MOBi 1 is restoring dignity and ensuring that no one feels invisible. We are proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to continuing our partnership and fundraising efforts to support this vital service.

Following assembly, I had the privilege of meeting with Alison Ray, founder of Our Rainbow House, and Mary Matandiko, coordinator and teacher from Zambia. Their visit to Rockhampton was a heartfelt reminder of the global impact our school community can have. Our Rainbow House, an Australian and Zambian registered charity, provides education and nutrition to orphans and vulnerable children in Lusaka, Zambia, a region facing a staggering 96% unemployment rate.

Accompanying Alison and Mary was Henry, a remarkable young man and one of the school’s first graduates. Henry’s story is one of resilience and transformation. He began school at age 11, unable to speak English, and driven by the provision of daily meals. Over time, he grew to love learning, became school captain, graduated as Dux with straight A’s, and is now studying Information Technology at university. His journey is a testament to the life-changing power of education and the generosity of sponsors and donors, including Girls Grammar.

Our school has proudly supported Our Rainbow House for many years, donating sports tracksuits, netball uniforms, and more recently, our striped sports house polos, which the students wear with pride each Wednesday,  just like our own formal uniform tradition. Mary shared that these shirts are reserved for the most special occasions, and the students have even adopted our house colours: yellow for girls, and red, green, and blue for boys. Mary and Henry were excited to learn more about our house names and their meanings, which they will share with the students back in Zambia.

Listening to these stories reminds us how fortunate we are and how even small acts of kindness can ripple across continents. Whether it's supporting a local outreach bus or helping children halfway across the world access education, our community continues to show that service is not just an action, it’s about leading with heart, giving generously, and standing together in support of those who need it most.

Kara Krehlik

Principal