2010 - Celebrating 80 years of service to Victorians
The State Schools' Relief Committe was established during the
Great Depression of the 1930s.
1930 was nothing like today. During the Great Depression
unemployment was around 30 percent. Then, with no jobs nor steady
income, families didn't have decent housing, bread and dripping was
a common meal, and many children wore threadbare clothing and went
barefoot year-round. Despite this, those who lived through this
period fondly recall that a sense of community prevailed.
With everyone in the same situation, everyone pitched in to help
others.
It was this spirit from which State Schools Relief Committee was
born.
80 years ago, Victorian teachers and the government banded
together to help those that needed it most. Teachers often "knew"
which children had the greatest need, so an arrangement was set up
where more prosperous schools helped those less fortunate.
SSRC coordinated the provision of practical help - like giving
clothes, shoes and food to students who needed it so they could
continue their education.
Since that time successive governments have provided salaries,
accommodation and an administrative grant. This means that
100% of donated funds are used to purchase quality clothing and
footwear.
For 80 years we have continued to support the urgent need of
families struggling to keep their children in school.
We have supported tens of thousands of young Victorians
and their families and we remain the leading agency providing
material support to young people in Victorian government
schools.