MLC students go the distance to raise funds for Mallacoota

With a direct connection to a community ravaged by bushfire, the MLC community have dug deep to show their support for the town of Mallacoota.

Long road ahead: MLC Marshmead staff and principal Diana Vernon (front, left) during a site visit in late February.

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NEWS that the town of Mallacoota was in the direct line of fire on New Year’s Eve shocked the community of Methodist Ladies’ College. Even though the college’s main campus is in inner-east Melbourne, MLC’s connection to Mallacoota reflects an almost 30-year relationship.

The all-girls school’s remote Year 9 campus, MLC Marshmead, founded in 1991, is located on the other side of Lake Mallacoota from the town, in the Croajingalong National Park.

In times of difficulty, the empathy and generosity of the school community comes to the fore.

“We were overwhelmed with heartfelt communications from members of the MLC community who offered support,” said MLC principal Diana Vernon, who received messages from alumnae, past parents and former members of staff, showing the emotional connection the school has with the Mallacoota region even years after graduation.

While the Marshmead campus was spared from damage, the school community rallied to support the township that had shown MLC families local hospitality and warmth for so many years. The campus also hosted crews from the CFA, DELWP and Zoos Victoria as they battled fire containment lines and rescued wildlife.

“We knew how many of our community were very keen to help, and we recognise that Mallacoota still has a long road of recovery ahead,” Ms Vernon said.

A student committee organised a college-wide appeal, with funds planned to be directed to a Mallacoota community project that falls outside government responsibility for funding.

“Thanks to everyone’s considerable generosity, we were delighted that we raised over $35,000,” Ms Vernon said.

Long road ahead: MLC Year 10 student Ashley Ward at her Ride for Mallacoota fundraiser.

For Year 10 student Ashley Ward, her 2019 Marshmead experience was so memorable that she knew she wanted to help, organising a three-hour cycle marathon called “Ride for Mallacoota” at her father’s cycling studio.

“I really wanted to do something for the area,” Ashley said. “It also ensures that Mallacoota can support not only themselves, but the Marshmead girls in the future.”

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She quickly built up 16 corporate teams with more than 110 riders, and despite initial goals of $5000, raised over $15,000. The funds were shared across seven local businesses, including the Mallacoota Wildlife Shelter.

Though the flagship Marshmead program looks different this year, due to the bushfires and COVID-19, the situation has reiterated the emotional links between MLC’s Melbourne base and regional ties. “It is truly overwhelming to reflect on the power of our community,” Ms Vernon said.