What’s Happening?
Redland Bay State School P&C has won Queensland’s $10,000 major prize in the new Kit Cares Community Program.
Kit, a kids’ pocket money app built by CommBank, launched the program to promote financial literacy. It also recognises organisations improving the lives of young Australians. The school P&C received the highest number of votes in Queensland. It was one of four regional winners, with each receiving the same cash prize.
Why It Matters
Community organisations often depend on volunteers, fundraising and local backing to run programs for children and families. This award gives the school group added funding while encouraging families to build practical money skills. Kit Managing Director Yish Koh said the winners reflected work taking place in communities across Australia.
“These winners reflect the incredible work being done every day by community organisations across Australia, many of which rely on the support of volunteers, fundraising and local communities to deliver their programs.”
Koh said Kit Cares supported local groups while helping families improve their confidence with money.
“Kit Cares was about giving something back to the organisations creating opportunities for young Australians to learn, grow and thrive, while also helping families to build financial capability and confidence with money, helping set them up with skills for life.
“While we had high hopes communities would get behind the program, we’ve been blown away by the response, with nearly 60,000 votes cast in support of causes making a real difference in the lives of young people.”
Local Impact
Redland Bay State School P&C supports more than 800 students at one of Queensland’s largest primary schools. The group supports school life through fundraising, events and community programs. The award recognises its local role and provides more funding for that work.
By the Numbers
- Almost 350 community organisations registered for the Kit Cares Community Program across Australia.
- Nearly 60,000 votes were cast for causes supporting children and young people nationwide.
- Participating organisations will receive $100 for every 100 votes cast in their favour.
Zoom In
Community members earned votes by using financial learning resources on Kit’s website. They then assigned those votes to their chosen organisation. Meanwhile, second and third-place winners in each region will receive vouchers from program sponsor Funlab.
Zoom Out
This year’s winners include school groups, a police-led youth organisation and a grassroots sports club. Together, they support education, inclusion, resilience and a sense of belonging. The other three $10,000 regional winners were:
- New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory: Loftus Public School P&C, Loftus. The Sutherland Shire group brings parents, teachers and local residents together. Its work improves students’ educational and recreational experiences.
- Victoria and Tasmania: Kyabram Blue Light, Kyabram. Established in 2006, the regional Victorian youth organisation is run by local police and the community. Its programs include KyFit, a weekly gym-based fitness and mentoring program for young people aged 12 to 16. It also runs discos, camps, skate park events and excursions. The group supports young people at risk of disengaging from peers, school and the community. Physical activity and positive police relationships help build trust, connection and confidence.
- South Australia, Western Australia and Northern Territory: Wanneroo Junior Football Club Inc, Wanneroo. It is one of the Perth metropolitan area’s oldest junior clubs. Since 1964, it has provided inclusive AFL programs for boys and girls of all ages.
Kyabram Blue Light President Mitchell Bull said the programs gave young people valuable first experiences. He said the funding would also ensure cost did not prevent participation.
“Seeing a young person catch their first fish, swim in the ocean or head away on their first camp is what it’s all about. This funding will help ensure cost is never a barrier to participation and allow us to create even more opportunities, connections and experiences for young people in our community.”
Wanneroo Junior Football Club Auskick and Superkick Co-ordinator Chelsea Stronach said the funding would cover essential equipment. She said it would also help grow the club’s female football program.
“We rely on this type of funding to provide the basics, playing jumpers, bump pads and replacing broken equipment. It’s crucial.”
“The $10,000 will also help us continue growing our female football program, giving more young girls the opportunity to get involved in local footy.”
What To Look For Next?
Kit will also distribute up to $100,000 in cash prizes and vouchers to community organisations across Australia. Redland Bay families may also receive details about how the P&C will allocate its award. Those details could show which school programs or needs will benefit.
