An inspirational group of students from Owen Primary School have been recognised for their efforts raising money for drought-stricken farmers.
Their Rope 4 Hope fundraiser, which raised more than $6000 and donated 80 tonnes of hay to Eyre Peninsula farmers, has been named SA Community Event of the Year in the upcoming Australia Day awards.
Last year, when national media coverage shone a light on farmers doing it tough due to drought, including places closer to home like the EP, the students at Owen Primary School were inspired to lend a hand.
Ten-year-old Charlie Millway got the ball rolling for a "fiver for a farmer" day, where all students came dressed as farmers and donated $5.
But the students wanted to do more.
With the help of class teacher Narelle Warner and other staff, they spent their lunchtimes making adjustable bracelets from paracord and selling them for $2 each.
Momentum grew as the children saw their efforts make a real difference to the lives of those under the brutal dry spell.
Wakefield Regional Council mayor Rodney Reid said the primary school’s work was inspirational.
“It brings so much pride to our community to have so many young people who are thoughtful and proactive,” he said.
“The award and the students themselves give merit to the idea that small can be mighty and, as an Owen resident and Wakefield Mayor I am doubly proud of the school’s efforts.”
It is the second year in a row the Owen community has won the accolade with the SA Country Women’s Association’s event Plains on a Plate the recipients in 2018.