Back to School 2026 – Local generosity supporting Limestone Coast students
More than 500 Limestone Coaststudents have started the 2026 school year with greater confidence anddignity, thanks to the Stand Like Stone Foundation’s Back to School program,delivered entirely through local community support.
This term, 530 Back to School vouchers, valued at $26,500, were distributed to 34 public primary and area schools across the region, helping families meet the cost of essential school items, including uniforms, shoes, school bags and stationery.
Stand Like Stone Foundation Chair Georgie McKay said the program was one of the foundation’s impactful initiatives supporting families across the region.
“We know from years of experience the Back to School program has a powerful impact well beyond the value of the voucher,” Ms McKay said.
“It helps children arrive at school feeling prepared, included and equal to their peers – and that sense of dignity and belonging matters enormously for learning, confidence and wellbeing.”
The 2026 program reached schools across Mount Gambier, Wattle Range, Naracoorte Lucindale, Tatiara, Kingston, Robe and the District Council of Grant, with allocations guided by school card data to ensure support reached families experiencing the greatest financial pressure.
Stand Like Stone Chief Executive Officer Jason Wallace said the program’s continued strength reflected the generosity and commitment of the Limestone Coast community.
“What makes the Back to School program so special is that it is now delivered solely through local donations,” Mr Wallace said.
“In earlier years the program was supported in partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, but in 2026 every voucher has been made possible by people and businesses in our own region stepping up to support local children through local philanthropy.”
Community contributions for the2026 program totalled more than $26,000, with support coming from individuals, families, community groups and local businesses, including OGR Mount Gambier, Good Country Community Op Shop, Noel Barr Toyota, Mac’s Hotel, Group Training Employment and Tatiara Multicultural Group, alongside many others.
Since the program began in 2005,Stand Like Stone’s Back to School initiative has distributed more than $685,000 in vouchers to Limestone Coast families, helping thousands of children start each school year equipped for learning and participation.
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We acknowledge the Aboriginal people as the First Nations of these lands and waters of the Limestone Coast. We acknowledge the Elders, past, present and future, and we respect the ongoing deep feelings of attachment and relationships of First Nations people to country.
Artwork by Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr depicting the waterholes, landforms and stones of the Limestone Coast.
