Savvy school relief in sight for struggling Mackay families

Parents struggling with back-to-school costs will get much-needed relief when a pop-up store sets up at Mackay PCYC. School clothing and books will be sold at a vast discount.

Pamela Sullivan and Kerrianne Bettridge of Catholic Care sorting out stock for the pop-up store at Mackay PCYC on Wednesday, January 4, 2022. Picture: Andrew Kacimaiwai

No-one will be turned away when a week-long School Savvy pop-up store for school children of struggling families opens in Mackay next week.

The store will operate from Monday to Wednesday, 8am-5pm, and 8am-12 noon on Thursday at the Mackay PCYC in North Mackay.

School clothing and stationery will sell for as little as $1 per item and will be open to all.

Local hairdressers will provide free haircuts to primary and high school children on most days.

Family Relationships Centre Mackay manager Louisa Loots helps sort out stock at the Mackay PCYC on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. Picture: Andrew Kacimaiwai

Louisa Loots is manager of the Family Relationship Centre Mackay which will run the program under the auspices of Catholic Care.

“At the end of the day, it’s about supporting families, homeless or working poor. No-one will be turned away,” she said.

“Our goal is to have one (pop-up store) in Mackay every year. There is a need for it in the community.”

Pamela Sullivan and Kerrianne Bettridge of Catholic Care at Mackay PCYC on Wednesday, January 4, 2022. Picture: Andrew Kacimaiwai

The program started in Cairns and spread to Rockhampton, Gladstone and Yeppoon.

“All the money we make goes back into the program,” Mrs Loots said. “We keep none of it.”

While the PCYC is the venue for next week’s event, a permanent venue has not been decided yet.

Sergeant Alicia Town (PCYC), Monica Smith, Jason Kirkpatrick, Louisa Loots, Kerrianne Bettridge and Pamela Sullivan (all Catholic Care) at Mackay PCYC on Wednesday, January 4, 2022. Picture: Andrew Kacimaiwai

“Next year it may be elsewhere,” Mrs Loots said..

“The PCYC has been really helpful this year.”

Mackay PCYC manager, Sergeant Dorinda Freeman, was happy to extend their support after she heard School Savvy was coming to town.

“I love the concept behind School Savvy,” Sgt. Freeman said.

“There are so many kids and families in Mackay who need this extra support.

“To be able to help provide it to them in such a welcoming and inclusive way is something that really aligns with what we do at the PCYC.

“We look forward to hosting the School Savvy pop-up shop.”