On Tuesday 20 August 2024, the Rotary Club of Turramurra held a Trivia Night to raise funds for their Books in Homes project at Moree East Public School. This was the third year of the fundraiser. The club surpassed their previous two years’ efforts, with more people attending and more money raised on this occasion. Seven Rotary Clubs participated, plus community members, with a total of 150 participants. Close to $7,000 was raised during the evening.

Outstanding cooperation from Rotary Club members and local businesses resulted in many quality auction items and raffle prizes being donated. These included wine, accommodation, gym membership, paintings, and a box of beautiful new children’s books contributed by Books in Homes.

Pam Pritchard, Project Chair, spoke briefly about the Rotary sponsorship and related it to the recent NAPLAN results. She presented some research into reading, and spoke about the importance of reading from physical books rather than e-readers.

Pam has a past connection with Moree East Public School, which has an 87% Aboriginal population. Her parents taught at the Aboriginal School situated on the Aboriginal Station three miles out of town, and for one year, her family lived on the Station. Pam witnessed the discrimination and abject poverty first-hand during her childhood, which has resonated with her ever since.

On their last visit to Moree in July 2024, the group of Rotarians and friends joined the school children in their NAIDOC activities. They were also invited to the Aboriginal Centre where they met the local Aboriginal Elders. They chatted to them and listened to their poignant stories. Pam also spoke to one of the Elders who had been in her mother’s Kindergarten class, which was a beautiful moment.

The $7,000 raised, plus a District Grant organised by Chatswood/Roseville Rotary Club and Christmas Pudding sales by North Ryde Club, will cover the cost of Books in Homes for Moree East Public School during 2025.

Story submitted by Pam Pritchard, Project Chair, Rotary Club of Turramurra.
Photo Credit: Duk-Soo Park.