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Home > Community Solutions & Crime Prevention > Walgett
The Good Start Breakfast Club Walgett
A nutritious breakfast can have a significant and positive impact on a child's behaviour and their ability to perform at school. The Australian Red Cross has long recognised this and has been operating Good Start Breakfast Clubs in schools around the state since 1991.
In early 2003, a need to operate a breakfast program in Walgett, Northern NSW, was identified. Funding for this was subsequently provided by the New South Wales’ Premier’s Department, allowing for a worker to attend the program 5 days a week, training provision to volunteers and support co-ordinator, the equipment necessary to set up the program and some food products.
The Good Start Breakfast Club has now been operating in Walgett since the third term in 2003. Teachers have reported a remarkable effect on overall school attendance, behaviour and performance. There has also been less need for disciplinary action since the Good Start Breakfast Club began.
Some of the children at the school who have in the past displayed extremely challenging behaviour attend the club. Students interact positively with volunteers, teachers and fellow students at the meal table. After finishing their breakfast, the students wash their dishes and go to class.
Between 20 and 40 children are likely to attend the Good Start Breakfast Club on any morning. In addition to a paid worker, the program is staffed by a number of volunteers including teachers, police officers and members of the local community.
Initially there was some awkwardness between students and teachers in the breakfast club environment. Over time, however, this has developed into fruitful interaction. Teachers and students are able to talk informally while sharing breakfast: the process of eating a meal together helping to relax and bring people together.
The overall school community supports the service as they can point to the number of benefits that have manifested within the school. The police also support the club, attending and participating in the morning’s activities from time to time.
The Walgett Good Start Breakfast Club and the Premier’s Department are linking community members and groups together to support the children of the town. As one volunteer put it, “They’re our kids, we’ve all got to lend a hand."
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