HVO COMMUNITY FUNDING HELPS SINGLETON STUDENTS TO BURN BRIGHT
Three hundred Year 5 students from the Singleton local government area will gain leadership and wellbeing skills this year thanks to funding from Hunter Valley Operations’ (HVO) latest round of community grants. Upper Hunter community led charity Where there’s a Will is co-ordinating the two, one day workshops. Not for profit organisation Burn Bright will […]
HVO COMMUNITY FUNDING HELPS SINGLETON STUDENTS TO BURN BRIGHT
31 January 2023
Three hundred Year 5 students from the Singleton local government area will gain leadership and wellbeing skills this year thanks to funding from Hunter Valley Operations’ (HVO) latest round of community grants.
Upper Hunter community led charity Where there’s a Will is co-ordinating the two, one day workshops. Not for profit organisation Burn Bright will deliver the workshops mid-year.
Where there’s a Will executive officer Catherine Wendell said the funding from HVO is an investment in the future of the local community. Ms Wendell said Where there’s a Will has been supporting the delivery of Burn Bright in the Upper Hunter for six years, but this is the first time it will be run in the Singleton LGA.
More than 900 Upper Hunter students from Year 5, 8, 9 and 10 have been through the program to date.
“Students in years 5 and 6 are often enthusiastic to take on leadership roles, so we want to encourage that ambition and provide them with foundational skills,” Ms Wendell said.
“We need Upper Hunter primary students to become strong, resilient and impactful leaders who want to make a difference,” she said.
She said the interactive and fun workshops are split into three sections – leadership and teamwork concepts, practical leadership skills, and putting those skills into action.
“Topics include being a role model, putting others first, communication and listening skills, decision making, courage and resilience, taking initiative and responsibility, building trust, and goal setting.”
Where there’s a Will is one of seven Hunter charities and community organisations to share in more than $21,000 in funding from this latest HVO community grants round.
Round 2, 2022 HVO Community Grants recipients
● Equipment for Star Club Milbrodale & Broke
● Muswellbrook South Public School P&C’s Colour Your Threads for Pos Ed
● Singleton PCYC Book Fair
● Singleton ADRA Food Pantry
● Cessnock Community Leo Club’s Native Wildflower Initiative
● Rotary Club of Muswellbrook
● Upper Hunter Where There’s a Will’s Burn Bright Program
HVO general manager Tony Morris said the twice-yearly grants program is about giving local charities and community organisations a hand to deliver projects that benefit local residents a reality.
He said the program has provided more than $350,000 in funding to 82 projects since 2018. This is in addition to its other charity partnerships, sponsorships and workplace giving programs.
“We have been part of the community for more than 70 years so HVO and its staff do what we can to help make our community stronger,” Mr Morris said.
“There are so many great local organisations such as Where there’s a Will, making a real difference to our community. They deserve our support,” he said.
HVO operates the HVO South and HVO North coal mines at Lemington, near Jerrys Plains.
Where there’s a Will supports the delivery of programs and skills to increase community wellbeing and improve mental health in the Upper Hunter. Visit https://uhwheretheresawill.com.au/. Burn Bright delivers student leadership and wellbeing programs and camps Australia-wide.