When I think about the Teachers Initiative Program (TIP) I think about the presentation I did at Sale & District Specialist School.

It was in May 2021 when there was a small opportunity between lockdowns to venture outside our front doors. I remember being so excited to be travelling beyond my 5km zone and to a school that I was particularly fond of.

So many of the locals came out this day to watch the opening of the ‘Frog Bog’ and ‘Bush Tucker Garden’. Channel 9’s WIN TV station was there to cover the event for the 5pm news - it really was ‘bigger than Ben Hur’. I remember feeling so proud of Bank First which, in partnership with Landcare, provided the grant to make this project happen.

Casey, a Year 12 student and School Captain was so eager to show me around the garden pods, pointing out the different ingredients that were used in the wonderful morning tea that was put on for us.

Late last year (2022) I visited the school again and was surprised to see Casey - only to be told that she loved the ‘Frog Bog’ so much she now is now studying horticulture as well as working part-time as the grounds keeper at the school.

What a wonderful outcome.