- Cook Government providing $10,000 to WA-based charity Dandelions WA
- Funding to help provide backpacks with school supplies to Western Australian students who don't have all they need for school
- Dandelions WA Back to School campaign supports schools and students by promoting equity and inclusion
The Cook Government will provide $10,000 to WA-based charity Dandelions WA,to support its important work distributing school supplies to children in need ahead of the 2026 school year.
Founded in Joondalup, Dandelions WA provides brand-new school backpacks filled with essential items like stationery, lunch boxes, water bottles, hats, and toiletries.
The Dandelions WA Back to School campaign supports schools and students by promoting equity and inclusion, helping young people to feel a sense of belonging and reducing social barriers.
The donation will provide assistance to WA students and families struggling with cost-of-living pressures, and builds on the 2025 WA Student Assistance Payment, which saw more than $81.4 million distributed to more than 424,000 students to help cover school-related costs.
This support is also in addition to the Cook Government's new $8 million Country Week Assistance Program, which continues to provide financial support to regional and remote families to remove barriers to students travelling to take part in Country Week events in Perth.
The Cook Government is committed to supporting initiatives that foster inclusive communities.
As stated by Education Minister Sabine Winton:
"Every student deserves to walk into school feeling prepared and confident, and support like this helps make that possible.
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to making sure students have what they need from day one, so they can get the most out of their education.
"Dandelions WA makes a real difference for children and their families, and I am pleased that this donation will help support their valuable work."
As stated by Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton:
"I am proud to have supported Dandelions WA since it began in 2020. Dandelions WA is a fantastic organisation that supports Western Australians of all ages, all genders, and no matter their reason for need.
"Feedback from schools is that the backpacks are treasured and have led to increased attendance rates and engagement at school.
"I'm looking forward to seeing how this donation can further enhance the work of this wonderful organisation."
