Lighthouse, the Rotary Club of Shepparton Central and Gowrie Street Primary School have a long-standing partnership that provides grade 6 students with the opportunity to connect with different people in our community and learn more about what our region offers. The partnership facilitated by Lighthouse sees the Rotarians join the students on various excursions throughout term 4.

On Monday, December 4 the Gowrie Street students ventured down to Lake Victoria for their final session, sailing with Shepparton Sailability. The kids took turns in heading out onto the water with a Sailability volunteer where they had the opportunity to pick up a few sailing tips. With temperatures up around 30 degrees the biggest hit was the water pistol battle, with students, staff and volunteers all enjoying the friendly rivalry.

Throughout term 4 other excursions having included observing a working sheep dog display, visiting farms, touring the Gouge processing plant in Mooroopna, and a trip to the Australian Botanical Gardens in Kialla.

Lighthouse staff member Belinda Senini who coordinates the program highlighted the immense value of the initiative. "The program not only allows students to broaden their horizons by connecting with various community members but also develops essential social skills that will serve them well in the future".

"Of course none of it would be possible without the wonderful volunteers. It was great to have both the Rotarians and Sailability volunteers come together for the students final session. They did an amazing job ensuring the kids had a lot of fun, we are so very grateful for the work of all the volunteers in our community", Belinda said.