Bowraville Central is ready to cycle

Students at Bowraville Central School are set to get a whole lot more active thanks to a Local Schools Community Fund grant.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said the innovative project would greatly improve the students’ wellbeing and physical health.

“Primary school students are benefited by having fun, physical education activities while at school,” Mr Conaghan said.

“Our Government has invested $15,545 here, plus a total of $50,066 in other wellness and physical activity initiatives at other schools throughout the Nambucca Valley and Coffs Coast through the Local Schools Community Fund.

“We promised to provide better opportunities for students and this great mountain biking project is one way we are helping local schools to do that.”

Bowraville Central School Principal David Taylor said the program aims to inspire an active lifestyle to students who may not have access to or be able to afford a bicycle of their own.

“We are very excited about this opportunity,” Mr Taylor said.

“With this grant we have purchased 18 new mountain bikes and safety equipment which will provide the opportunity for Bowraville Central School students to engage in healthy outdoor fun in and around the Bowraville Community.

“Students will improve their riding skills, learn bike safety and the responsibility of maintaining the bikes. Our school vision is to continually create a healthy school of equity and high expectations for all – connected to whole school community through best practice teaching and learning.”

Mr Taylor anticipates around 120 students from Years 5 to 12 will use the mountain bikes and will travel to places like the school’s farm just outside Bowraville. Small groups will be able to select cycling for a sport where they can make use of all the new local bike paths in the valley, or, for special occasions like PBL reward days, students will be able to visit dedicated mountain biking trails like Jacks Ridge.

Other Nambucca Valley schools to receive grants include St Mary’s Primary School, Bowraville: $18,181 for visual literacy and communication in the 21st century project. And Nambucca Valley Christian School: $13,643 for a sustainable school-wide wellbeing initiative.