More than 200 families in Maryborough, Queensland, have found themselves in a better position ahead of the 2026 school year through Centacare’s School Savvy pop-up shop. Source: The Catholic Leader.
Families were welcomed in a safe, respectful and community-led space, with items available for gold coin donation prices under School Savvy’s honesty policy of “take what you need to start the school year confidently”.
They included essential school supplies, affordable pre-loved school uniforms and practical support to families experiencing financial pressure as they prepare for the new school year.
The School Savvy pop-up shop was held on January 14 at the Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre in the Fraser Coast.
For many families, the impact was immediate and deeply felt.
“I was so stressed about back-to-school costs and didn’t know how I was going to manage,” said a single mum of five who attended the pop-up shop.
“I came along today and was able to purchase most of what my kids need for only $80. I can’t tell you what this means or thank the School Savvy team enough. What a wonderful program.”
Centacare family and relationship services manager for the Fraser Coast, Patricia Gorman, said the community’s response was overwhelmingly positive.
“Seeing more than 200 families walk through the doors was a powerful reminder of both the need in our community and the generosity that exists here in Maryborough,” Ms Gorman said.
“School Savvy is about dignity, choice and community connection. Thanks to the incredible support of local partners, families were able to access what they needed and children can head back to school feeling prepared, confident and supported.”
School Savvy was established by Centacare FNQ in 2016 and has since expanded across Queensland.
The 2026 Maryborough pop-up marked the first time the initiative had been delivered by Centacare Brisbane, which operates across South East Queensland, in response to identified local need on the Fraser Coast.
FULL STORY
Hundreds of families get back-to-school boost with Centacare’s pop-up shop (The Catholic Leader)
