Local students praised for fundraising effortsTen Secondary students from six schools across the Latrobe Valley region are closer to achieving their dream of a two-week visit to Japan By Latrobe City Council - 22nd August 2001 - Back to News Ten Secondary students from six schools across the Latrobe Valley region are closer to achieving their dream of a two-week visit to Japan after raising a substantial part of the funds they need from the sale of raffle tickets.
Their efforts were acknowledged by Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins, Federation Health’s Chief Executive Officer, Stewart Cramer and Members Australia’s Dianne Wilkinson, when the raffle was drawn by students, Erin Bennett and Matthew Smith, at the Members Australia Credit Union’s Moe Service Centre.
The year 7, 8 and 9 students, with the support of Latrobe City Council, have been fundraising for some five months to help pay for their two-week education visit which takes place in September.
Cr Jenkins said the students were to be commended for their drive and enthusiasm in raising funds for the trip, which was a unique opportunity for the students to experience another culture.
"These student exchanges are part of a sister city relationship program between Latrobe and the City of Takasago. Over the past six years, some 100 families from each City have been involved in the program, whether it be hosting students or having their children involved in an actual visit. This group of ten will have an opportunity to experience another culture, including staying with a host Japanese family for 3 days," Cr Jenkins explained.
"It is a credit to the students involved that they have not merely expected their parents to pick up the tab for their overseas visits, but they have accepted a high degree of responsibility, and been proactive in raising the necessary funds."
The students selected for the trip come from Glengarry, Traralgon, Moe, Morwell, Churchill, Newborough, Boolarra and Hazelwood South, and between them have sold some 2000 raffle tickets as part of their fundraising activities.
Federation Health provided the students with the major prize in the raffle of Health Cover to the value of $1000, while Members Australia provided overnight accommodation and seafood dinner for two at Déjà Vu Lakes Entrance Bed and Breakfast. Other raffle prizes were donated by Red Carpet Travel Traralgon, Chris Humphrey Office Systems, the Morwell Bowing Club, JW & HL O’Connor, Newsborough Newsagency, Bushies Bakery & Pizza Restaurant, Michael’s Family Restaurant, 95 on Seymour, Civic Video Traralgon, Hair Pzazz and O’Connell’s Tyres & Suspension Specialists.
In thanking the student visit program’s major sponsors, Edison Mission Energy and Australian Paper, for their continued support of the program, Cr Jenkins said the support of local businesses had certainly bolstered the students fundraising efforts and was greatly appreciated.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: latrobecity@gippslander.com

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Martin Cameron warns Latrobe Valley community safety is worsening under Labor, citing rising crime, reduced police resources, retail theft spikes, weak bail laws, and calls for tougher prevention and policing measures. - Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences. - Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences. - Latrobe City Council and Gippsland partners launch 'No Filter: Real Stories' vaping prevention campaign created by and for young people
Latrobe City Council, with Gippsland councils and GRPHU, launches No Filter: Real Stories, a youth-designed vaping prevention campaign sharing honest, relatable local experiences to reduce harm and empower Gippsland young people. - Melina Bath urges communities to honour veterans' families and support Legacy Week fundraising efforts
Melina Bath urges communities to support Legacy Week, honouring veterans' families. Funds raised provide financial, educational and emotional support, continuing Sir Stanley Savige's century-old vision of care, compassion and mateship. - Latrobe City Council's Councillor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 regional agenda
Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 agenda, advocating sustainable growth, investment, and workforce opportunities for regional Victoria’s cities and surrounding communities.

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