Old Beechworth Gaol buzzes with social enterprise activities

AN ENTERPRISING team of Wooragee Primary School students sold scrumptious doughnuts at last Thursday’s annual market day at the Old Beechworth Gaol, drawing a number of customers. The school team joined six others from local primary schools and one from across the border on the day with their innovations. The cohort are part of the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneur’s (ACRE) social enterprise in schools program with schools around regional Victoria as well as across Australia taking part. Running for the last eight years, the program with its annual market day also has a charity fundraising focus. Beechworth’s Lucy Taylor, visiting the market day, said it was fantastic for kids to show their talents, creativity and entrepreneurial skills while giving back to communities. “It's great for their organisational skills, time management, creative thinking and problem solving,” she said. “There's been so much work that goes into it and market day is where the students get to reap the rewards of all their hard work.” Lucy said a sense of fun and celebration prevailed on the day. Doughnut-making social enterprise team leader Cade Lonie said he used his mum’s recipes along with her advice while it took a few days to make the 180 tasty treats. The young student also said the social enterprise school program taught students valuable skills such as treating people well, running a business, teamwork, and leadership. “All your profits go to a charity, and we chose Variety Dirtbikes,” he said. “The charity is for kids to get out of the house, stop playing video games, and have some fun riding dirt bikes. “We did this last year and made $511 profit, so I've made a bigger batch this time and we could potentially make more than $1000.” Montessori School Cycle 3 assistant Asha Dilkes-Hoffman said the beneficial program fostered the development of small business and organisational skills. “Our student’s activities ranged from baking various goods to woodworking and crafting items like beeswax wraps, key rings, and headbands," she said. “These projects not only engage students but also align with their personal interests, enhancing their passion for learning. “Since its inception, the program has grown significantly, expanding from a small-scale initiative to a large-scale community event that brings together many schools. “This growth is seen as both exciting and motivational for the students.” Beechworth Primary School education support staff team member Riley Baker said students chose charities such as Headspace and a children's cancer clinic to support with their various enterprises among them popcorn, fairy floss, lip balm, dog toys and T-shirts, Team leaders Ralph Bird and Miles Brokensha with an enterprise wrapped around a spice project said key skills learned included teamwork and persistence with research over two terms by the five-member team. “We sold more than 50 packets with our profits donated to Headspace,” the pair said. ACRE’s next generation program manager Tom Colcott said many people from the community had supported the day. “It was inspiring seeing students talk with confidence about their products with one hundred per cent of profits going to their chosen causes and charities, and the difference they are trying to make in the world," he said.

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