Mapoon Campus and Mapoon Council Given the Thumbs Up

Western Cape College - Mapoon Campus with Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council has received the School-Local Government Partnership Award � in the Comalco Green & Healthy Schools competition.

This award recognises outstanding accomplishment in partnerships between proactive councils and local schools that encourage good citizenship and strong environmental and community outcomes.  One of the strengths of small communities is the way in which the various organisations work together. The citizens, the school, the churches, the council, the sporting clubs and other groups are all part of a big team. Mapoon is a great example of this community fellowship in action. It is a very special town, formed when its people returned after many years living away from the area. The Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council works hard to maintain this spirit and foster cooperation.

As a result, the Mapoon Campus of Western Cape College shares council sporting facilities and council transport is provided to sporting events. The council has also provided labour to help with the new Kindy and Preschool building. The Campus has initiated a nutrition program with full backing from the council, Comalco and the community. Kindergarten and Preschool students have a healthy cooking day each week, with the children preparing basic healthy meals for lunch. All parents support this program and it has featured in the council newsletter. Parents are being pleasantly surprised when their young children ask if they can help cook at home. The school and the council are constantly looking at ways that they can work together.

 Head of Mapoon Campus Rob Jennings said that he was thrilled with the award and believed that it was a reflection of the dedicated effort of the staff at Mapoon Campus. The staff has worked tirelessly for improved outcomes for our students and we have been partnered successfully by the Mapoon Council and the local community on a number of projects.

Julie Ling, CEO of Mapoon Council said "The Mapoon Council was extremely excited to receive such an award with our partners in education the Mapoon Campus. The Mapoon community is very proud of its commitment to education".

Rob Jennings responded with "This is only the beginning. With continued partnerships with the council, community and local businesses the future is bright for the children at Mapoon".