Schools and businesses join forces to nurture, improve wellbeing of country kids

The EmpowerED Community Collective is pioneering a transformative community-based initiative design to improve the wellbeing of country kids.

Described as a ‘groundbreaking initiative’, the collective is one of the first of its kind in Australia, uniting schools and community members for the greater good of children’s health in our agricultural region.

With forward-thinking schools and businesses from Narrabri, Wee Waa, and Moree leading the charge, this program sets a new standard for community collaboration.

Backed by the Royal Agricultural Society Foundation, The Root Cause, Moree Plains Shire Council, and Narrabri Shire Council, this collaborative effort will empower whole school communities and community groups to improve the health and education outcomes of our country kids – our future leaders.

Belinda Smith, founder of The Root Cause and author of The Lunchbox Effect, emphasises the urgency: “The latest science shows that food is foundational to wellbeing. It affects mood, learning, behaviour, resilience, and sleep. This is why it’s critical to empower whole communities to navigate today’s food culture so we can improve wellbeing.”

Cecilia Logan, RASF manager echoes this sentiment: “In the days gone by, it was said it took a village to raise a child.

“Today, we need collective communities.

“It’s not the responsibility of one person or group but a collective effort to improve the health and wellbeing of our children.

“That’s why the RASF is providing our region’s schools with substantial scholarships toward a year long education partnership to empower their whole school community to Make Friends with Food.”

The collective acknowledged and praised the schools and businesses backing the initiative and for their pioneering spirit and courageous leadership in joining: Wee Waa Public School, Bellata Public School, Fairfax Public School and Pilliga Public School, Rotary Club Narrabri, Urban Green Farms, Paradise Fresh Narrabri, Platform & Co, and Nutrien Ag Solutions Narrabri.

These leaders are setting a powerful example of community spirit, positioning Narrabri, Wee Waa, and Moree as trailblazers in cultivating wellbeing among country kids.

Martine Smith, a teacher at Bellata Public School says “As a teacher of over 20 years, I jumped at the opportunity to be part of the collective.

“The wellbeing of our children is a top priority, and it’s great that we are no longer doing this on our own. There is strength in numbers.

“Rather than working alone, we are working together with other schools of the region, local community and businesses. I believe this will make our jobs of improving wellbeing easier.”

“We invite more schools and businesses to get involved with the EmpowerED Community Collective.

“By participating, you will contribute to a project that pioneers new ways to nurture the health and educational outcomes of our region’s children.

“This initiative ensures they remain active, successful members of our community, helping our region maintain its rich agricultural heritage.

“Together, let’s cultivate the wellbeing of country kids, enabling them to become better learners, more successful students, that stay in the region, helping it flourish and maintain its rich agricultural heritage.

“Your participation will help unlock a transformational change for our children, their families, their schools, and the whole region.”