2024 School Magazine

Coffee Brigade For over five decades, the Coffee Brigade has been supporting individuals who are sleeping rough in Brisbane CBD by supplying free hot drinks, sandwiches and friendly conversation each morning from their coffee van. A beloved local fixture, the Coffee Brigade crew are present rain or shine, endlessly passionate about alleviating hunger and contributing, however possible, to disadvantaged populations. This year, BGGS Year 12s have contributed to the Coffee Brigade cause by assisting with six early morning sandwich-making sessions. The student volunteers have really enjoyed working in teams to prepare the breakfasts and cherished the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the broader community. As a School community, BGGS has supported the Coffee Brigade’s activities through our annual Pantry Drive, collectively donating hundreds of non-perishable food items and travel-sized toiletries to the cause. Thanks must go to Ms Lynne Mungomery for her invaluable assistance with the Pantry Drive, as well as Ms Jo Genders and Ms Pamela Schmerl for their much-appreciated support and enthusiasm at the early morning sandwich-making sessions. As the Year 11s begin to take on their new volunteering roles, it’s safe to say the future of the BGGS Coffee Brigade partnership is looking bright! Vani Ranjan (12G) Coffee Brigade Student Leader

Uralla Club

In 2024, the Uralla Club has continued to progress our aims for reconciliation, undertaking meaningful initiatives in line with our Reconciliation Action Plan. These actions foster respect, understanding, and lasting relationships with First Peoples in the community. In Term 1, leading up to Close the Gap Day, we held a stationery donation drive to support First Nations students at St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in Woodridge. During a visit to the school, we watched their Harmony Day celebrations and were warmly welcomed by their Principal.

This year, BGGS’ commemoration of Reconciliation Week was particularly eventful. At the Football reconciliation round, Uralla Club students collaborated with the Red Earth Immersion group on a bake sale to raise funds for the community project. In addition, we gifted hair ribbons with our indigenous motif to other teams as well as a book, Sandtalk . Finally, we held a film screening of The Last Daughter —a moving story about the legacy of the Stolen Generation. We were joined by the Close the Gap Service group from BGS, strengthening connections between our two schools. This NAIDOC Week, we welcomed cultural educator and Kuku Yalanji and Wakka Wakka man, Marlon Riley, back to the School to share his experiences and insights in a forum centred around the 2024 NAIDOC Week theme, Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud, and proud . Girls and staff enjoyed the story telling and dances he taught us to celebrate women in community. Furthermore, we created a mural including flames, hands, and personal messages to endorse the NAIDOC Week theme. This Open Day, we held a raffle which raised $215.43. Proceeds will go towards SevGen and items for the Bahloo Women’s Shelter. As we reflect on our achievements this year, we look forward to the future action the club will take in the spirit of reconciliation. Eliza Forster (12O), Ashley Foster-McGinn (12B) and Bec Stainsby (12O) Uralla Club Student Leaders

BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2024 | 065