Thousands raised by springwood High school's 'mallacoota mash'

A fundraising event at a West Norfolk school has raised more than £3,000 to help an Australian college impacted by the recent devastating bushfires.

Springwood High School hosted a Mallacoota Mash at the weekend with students past and present joining forces to put on a show to raise money for Mallacoota P-12 College that was damaged by the fire.

A school choir of more than 50 students took to the stage on Saturday and the school’s Big Band also provided entertainment for guests. In total around 100 people took part in the sell-out evening which also included a meal.

“It was a fantastic evening with many former pupils coming back to perform and be a part of the Mallacoota Mash," said organiser and Head of Arts at Springwood Alun Bliss. "We had a target of £2,000 but actually made more than £3,000 so it was a great effort by everyone involved."

The high school, a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, has taken a musical production on tour to Australia every three years since links were first forged down-under around 20 years ago when a call was received from the Sandringham College in Melbourne.

The visitors needed hosting for their stay and the relationship has continued, with regular trips to Australia, including Mallacoota, an area badly hit by the wildfires blazing through the country.

The small town on the coast of Victoria was made famous on TV screens around the world when residents and visitors took refuge on the beach as the bush fires raged around them and destroyed around 100 homes.

Year 10 student Keira Samways said she wanted to take part in the fundraiser because of seeing what had happened to Australia on the news.

“My heart goes out to all those affected by it. Those who lost homes and family. They need everyone’s help to save the environment and animals before it’s too late,” she said.