A Simple Idea That Grew Into a Community Movement
A Year 5 student’s observation about wasted fruit in her neighbor’s garden has led to a thriving community initiative at a school in the Whitsundays. This movement not only helps families share fresh produce but also teaches children essential life and business skills.
Georgia Turner, a Year 5 student, was inspired after watching an episode of ABC TV’s War on Waste. She began thinking about how much edible food is thrown away from backyard gardens and local farms. Her own neighborhood provided a clear example.
“My neighbor’s mandarin tree had lots of mandarins,” Georgia explained. “Even when they ate them all and gave some to us and their friends, there were still more. Most of them just got mouldy and fell on the ground.”
This observation sparked an idea, and Georgia’s mother encouraged her to present a proposal to the Primary Campus deputy school principal, Samantha Hinton. Mrs Hinton listened to Georgia’s idea and gave it the green light.
From Observation to Action
After receiving approval, Georgia’s concept quickly grew over the following months. “I felt very happy and excited because my little idea has turned into a big thing,” Georgia said.
What started as a plan to reduce food waste evolved into a vibrant, fortnightly farmers’ market at St Catherine’s Catholic College. The event brings together students, parents, and the broader school community. Mrs Hinton described Market Day as one of the most anticipated events on the school calendar.
“It’s just a really nice way to start that day,” she said. “It really does have that market feel. We’re very proud of the kids and how they’re presenting themselves and their produce.”
The markets are held every second Friday before school from 8am for half an hour. They are open to school students, staff, and families at St Catherine’s. Products for sale include everything from fresh eggs and honey to baked goods, craft items, and seasonal fruit.
Educational Benefits Beyond Waste Reduction
Beyond reducing food waste, the markets have created additional educational benefits for students. They are involved in every process of gathering or making their produce. Parental support is limited, aside from setting up and packing down stalls on market day.
Students are responsible for creating marketing material and displays for their produce, pricing items accordingly. They also learn customer-service skills, from calculating change to speaking with customers about the products.
“It certainly links to the curriculum on lots of levels — the maths, the literacy, and the sustainability,” Mrs Hinton said. “I think our next thing is to support parents to make sure that the kids are paying them back for different things that they’re doing. So, if they’re making biscuits, that they understand that part of that money goes into whatever it is that they needed to buy it.”
Building Confidence and Skills
Monica Falconer, a parent, has seen clear changes in her daughters, Alice and Lucy, who run their own stall selling produce sourced from the family property.
“As a parent, I’ve really enjoyed seeing my daughters’ people skills improve,” she said. “They’re maintaining eye contact, they use manners. Obviously, mathematics — calculating the change — but they show initiative too.”
The preparation for Market Day has become a highlight for the siblings. “I love seeing their anticipation and excitement,” Ms Falconer said. “They’re organised to pack all the fruits, veggies and eggs and work out pricing. I just love how excited they get.”
Looking Ahead
The markets have now been running for several months and are well underway for 2026. Georgia hopes other schools will consider doing something similar to make use of leftover local produce.
“You just need a supportive school and a teacher that will wake up early for markets,” she said.
