Community Support for the Backpack Venture

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—Congratulations to the Maitland Community and Officeworks Rutherford for their generous support of The Backpack Venture. Officeworks run a 'Make a Difference' appeal which allows all Officeworks Stores make a choice on which charity they would like to support, the Rutherford store opted to support The Backpack Venture. The Backpack Venture provides rural students with a backpack and all the essential supplies and resources needed so that they can start the school year feeling confident, empowered and ready to learn. The community of Maitland raised $7000 for the program and across the state over $46,000 was raised for the Backpack Venture this year. What a wonderful response to assisting our rural children with their schooling in 2025. Thank you to the Maitland community and Officeworks Rutherford for your efforts.