Almost $1000 was raised for a human rights issue on March 16.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Moss Vale High School students tied on aprons, snapped on gloves and cranked up the barbecue to raise money for Closing the Gap Day.
Year 11 student Kelsey has volunteered to cook for the fundraising barbecue since she was in Year 7.
“It’s a great way to help the community, and it’s such an important cause,” she said.
“I’m Indigenous as well, so this is important to me and my family.”
Moss Vale High School Aboriginal education team teacher Cindy Pryma said the campaign gave students the chance to join together and commit to closing the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students volunteered throughout the week to pre-sell tickets and did a fantastic job setting up and serving the barbecue on the day,” she said.
The barbecue was attended by Moss Vale High staff and students, as well as parents, carers and councillor Graham Andrews.
Thanks to attendees, more than $900 was raised at the event.
This will go towards Indigenous health and wellbeing programs through Oxfam Australia.
Businesses Bowral Aldi, Moss Vale Coles, The Glass Cafe, Mittagong Gumnut Patisserie, Harris Farm, Hot Canary Butchers, Robertson Pie Shop, Bowral Woolworths and Moss Vale Southern Rise Bakery donated either cash or in kind support to the fundraiser.
Closing the Gap Day
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are recognised at having a life expectancy which is 10-17 years less than non-Indigenous Australians.
Ms Pryma said poverty, education and employment levels all had a long-lasting impact on the health of a community.
“The Close the Gap campaign recognises this,” she said.
“It emphasises that closing the gap in early childhood development, schooling, housing, and employment is the key to also closing the health gap.”
The national day was first observed in 2007.