Muswellbrook South Public School has seen their Green Team grow over the last four years, and Glencore has been a large part of that.
What was once a disused corner of the top oval has become a haven for all students who are eager to get involved.
Recently they were able to do some additional upgrades thanks to Glencore and the Parents and Community Association (P&C).
“We put in a fenced area so chickens and children can come out and engage and really enjoy a space that is secure,” said Tara Jeans, Green Team Coordinator.
“Now we can use this space all year round and have safe access, which is a huge improvement to what we’ve had in the past.”
Tracey Snedden, Glencore’s Community Engagement Coordinator, said offering grants to school P&C groups is a way that they can support an important part of the community.
“P&C organisations are the backbone of so many schools and we can see here just how important it is to Muswellbrook South,” she said.
“They give up so much time, effort and energy to making their school a better place, so to be able to support and help P&C’s do that is a wonderful thing.
“It’s a lot of sausage sizzles and cake stalls that they have to hold to be able to raise the money to be able to do projects like this, so we like to be able to help with that and take the burden off.”
Tracey recently visited Muswellbrook South and got a tour around the Green Team area, checking out the chicken coop, citrus trees and raised garden beds they have been able to get thanks to a lot of community support.
“It makes me feel like a kid again, I love it,” she said after a stroll around the chook pen and gardens with the kids.
“It’s just brilliant, the smiling faces and the difference that it’s making to these children to have this facility, it’s life changing.”
Glencore are strong supporters of P&C Associations who help make so many amazing opportunities come to life for students within schools.
Chris Hope, President of the Muswellbrook South Public School P&C has seen her kids and now grandkids attend the school.
“Some children struggle with learning and to come out and be able to pat a chook or sit and talk to it when they’re feeling frustrated, the chickens seem to listen to them and the children respond so well, it’s beautiful.
“It’s a full on, hands on, green space and the children are very involved in it. I love to come up here.
“I always say it takes a village to raise a child, and I’m proud to say Glencore is part of our village at Muswellbrook South, it’s just amazing, we’re so lucky.”
