News
23 October, 2025
Caboolture school’s furniture finds RARE life overseas
CLASSROOM furniture from Caboolture State School is set to transform learning environments for children in developing countries after being donated through Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment (RARE) — a national initiative giving disused goods a second life.
The school’s donation is already making an impact, with some items shipped to the Solomon Islands within just two weeks of collection.
More furniture is now being prepared for distribution to schools and communities where students often sit and study on dirt floors.
RARE works by repurposing unwanted items, from medical supplies to desks and chairs, that would otherwise end up in landfill.
The program supports sustainability while providing valuable resources to under-resourced regions both in Australia and overseas.
Seeking a responsible alternative to disposal, Caboolture State School Business Manager Paula Connolly contacted the Rotary Club of Caboolture, offering the school’s superseded furniture for redistribution.
Her initiative quickly turned into action, with Rotary volunteers coordinating the collection and shipment through RARE.
Caboolture Rotarian Leon Misfeld said the program relies on community partnerships and thoughtful donations.
“While Rotary and RARE have established an efficient and effective programme for distributing such equipment, the whole process depends on the thoughtfulness and generosity of folk like those at the Caboolture State School who are prepared to make an extra effort,” he said.
School Officer Andrew Elton said the school community was proud to help where it counts most.
“Reusing beats trashing any day!” he said.
RARE continues to expand across Australia, diverting tonnes of usable equipment from landfill and turning it into vital educational and medical resources for communities in need.
