In Mach 2025 Alan Hoffmann (GrandCarers WA Association, Chair) was the guest speaker at our Rotary club meeting. He advised us of the changes that have occurred and how much this support group has grown in the Southwest of WA.
One of the things he said that resonated with me - was how difficult the transition to Senior school was for this group. Having to go to a new school and make new friends with second hand uniforms, books and /or inadequate stationary made them feel different and therefore open to derision. From this we commenced planning for the:
Advanced Education Awards for Grandchildren being raised by Grandparents
The Rotary Club of Osborne Park, in partnership with Rotary Australia World Community Services (RAWCS) and GrandCarers Western Australia, established a targeted education project raising money for children being raised by their grandparents and other extended family members. For many grandparent carers, the financial costs of raising children come at a time when their own personal incomes are fixed and do not easily allow for supporting dependents. The advanced education project intends to support identified children within the Grand Carers program with the purchase of educational items such as school uniforms, books, computer resources, and/or stationary, by providing each child with a $1,000 donation.
Applications were made to a wide range of philanthropic trusts. The Stan Perron Foundation and Dalkeith Rotary Charitable Trust accepted our application and have become our major donors. Support has also been provided by individual Rotarians and other community groups.
In October 2025 members of the GrandCarers WA associator who had grandchildren in the specific cohort, graduating from primary to secondary school, were asked to apply for a grant. In total 26 familes applied. In February we held our inaugural awards ceremony at the GrandCarers premises, Warwick. The Rotary District Governor (Veronica Lawrence) was asked to present the awards. Members of the Dalkeith Rotary Club and Stan Perron Foundation were guests of honour along with the other donors.
Feedback 2026
Summary of how the funds were spent
Total | School Fees | School Supplies | Uniforms | IT | Books |
$ 26,000 | $ 7,352 | $ 1,770 | $ 6,053 | $ 8,985 | $ 1,840 |
100% | 28% | 7% | 23% | 35% | 7% |
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How did your grandchild benefit from the project | ||
Able to buy computer equipment which was previously unaffordable | ||
She had more than one uniform to wear each week. Her sister had hand me down uniforms. She was grateful | ||
Having new unforms not second hand | ||
I was able to provide new school uniforms and supplies which would have been very difficult other wise | ||
It has helped his transition to high school because he had everything he needed | ||
Do you have any other comments Computer is very helpful at home | ||
Grateful for the financial help | ||
Ceremony on Sat would be easier for country members to attend | ||
Thank you so much for helping our grandchild | ||
Efforts of RCOP appreciated | ||
I would like to thank RCOP for this project. My grandchild doesn’t have to feel different from their peers | ||
My family and I are very grateful | ||
I hope this continues for all other grandchildren in future years. We were very lucky to be a part of it. | ||
A message from one recipient in September 2026 gave this feedback:
“As my granddaughter, was a recipient of the very generous donation from Rotary, Osborne Park for transitioning into year 7, I would like to bring you up to date with how she has responded.
Firstly, it was a great help towards uniform, books, stationary, shoes and many more incidentals so she didn't have to feel different to her friends.
She has responded by trying her hardest in every field. I have received numerous commendations from a variety of teachers about her exhibiting the school's core values of Respect, Courtesy, Aspiration, Endeavour and Integrity. She actually received an award at the end of first semester assembly for the most commendations of all the Year 7 girls!”
Planning for the 2027 cohort has begun. We are hoping to make a difference in another 35 young people’s lives, as they transition in the school system with greater self-confidence and a sense of pride.
Louise Hancock
Rotary Club Osborne Park
Community Service Director