Throughout last week, students filled a hand-made rain gauge with coins, with all proceeds going to the Moree Drought Muster campaign.

As part of their fundraising, students were treated to hot chocolate each morning during breakfast club for a gold coin donation, while staff enjoyed cups of coffee and tea, made by the students using the school’s new coffee machines, for a $5 donation.

The coffee machines were purchased to provide students with barista training, as well as for community members to come and learn new skills.

Moree Salvation Army’s Jason Poutawa, who has worked as a barista, came along to train the students so they could make their teachers hot drinks for their drought fundraiser.

Last Wednesday (August 8), the school put on a high tea as a celebration for staff and the Drought Muster team at McGregor Gourlay, with staff members making delicious cakes and pastries.

“It was fantastic,” principal Lorinda Potter said.

“It was more of a celebration but we got more donations.

“It built everyone’s spirits up.”

The school ended up raising $440 which Ms Potter said they were thrilled with.

In addition to the fundraising, the week has been about raising drought awareness with the students.

“It’s not just about raising money, it’s about educating the students and talking a lot about it and getting the kids to understand not just the impact on our farmers but the impact on the community as well,” Ms Potter said.

“We made a rain gauge with re-used plastic bottles and filled it with money. We showed the kids and when the money was at a certain point we said ‘oh it’s off to a good start, it’s sprinkling’, then with more money there were showers and then at the top there was a rainbow which said ‘we’ve reached our goal and it’s raining’.”

Moree East Public School staff have also volunteered to help the Drought Muster team unpack donations and put together packs for Moree’s farmers.

“It’s just to lend a hand,” Ms Potter said.