19/10/2026
Last Thursday and Friday, Barwon House ran their annual fundraiser. This year, the team chose to support the local organization Wombat's Wish. A message from the organisation “Wombat's Wish is a Victorian charity based in Clifton Springs that provides free grief support to children and young people aged 5–17 who have experienced the death of a parent or primary carer. Through Weekend Grief Programs, Youth Weekend Grief Programs, counseling, family activities, and school resources, we help children and young people build resilience, connect with others who understand their grief, and develop healthy coping strategies. All of our services are free of charge to our families.”
On Thursday, we held our auction, with all prizes donated by staff and students. Mr. Envall was our auctioneer and did an amazing job in creating a great vibe in the atrium. Many students walked away with some great prizes but overall it was the atmosphere that was the standout.
Friday was our BBQ, with our Barwon captains organizing and setting up the whole day. Special mention goes to Aurora and Poppy, who were up late making our Barwon cupcakes; they were delicious! A huge shoutout to East Geelong Quality Butchers, who kindly donated 250 sausages for the fundraiser. Thanks also to Leopold Baker's Delight for donating 16 loaves of bread that our students brought in for us.
Thanks to Mr. Crowe and the junior and senior bands that played on the day; they created an amazing atmosphere that had everyone vibing out in the sun. Another shoutout goes to Mr. Ryan, who donated his lovely hair to get a buzz from one of our students. Lachie Gibblet is Geelong High School’s local barber and is the next up-and-coming whiz with the clippers and scissors. Thanks Gibbo for taking the time out for the fundraiser, everyone loved to see the work you can do!
It was an incredible few days for a very special cause. If you are reading this and can donate, please consider donating to Wombat's Wish, who are out helping the young people in our community deal with the toughest moments of their lives.
Over the two days, we raised a total of $2,017.35. All going to an amazing cause in Wombats Wish! (photos courtesy Lachlan Harland and Chirara Natoli)
