What is School Savvy?
For over 10 years School Savvy has been proving that it takes a village to get every child back to school with dignity and pride.
When we first began, everything was grassroots and community-driven – every uniform, pencil case, and notebook was donated second-hand. Today, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and partners, our village has grown. Families can now access a mix of new stationery, backpacks, lunchboxes, and other essentials, alongside quality pre-loved uniforms.
School Savvy remains our community’s village response, ensuring back-to-school costs are never a barrier to education. With affordable uniforms, supplies, and even free haircuts, thousands of children walk into the classroom each year feeling equal, included, and ready to learn.
Ways to access School Savvy
Visit our January
Pop-up Shop
Find us in your area for essential school supplies and uniforms! No referral required.
Contact your
School Guidance Officer
Your school’s Guidance Officer will fill in a Referral Form, which they will email to School Savvy.
The School Savvy Team will then contact your family directly and provide assistance with essential school supplies & uniforms.
Donate
Give pre-loved uniforms, school supplies, or laptops – or make a financial contribution.
Every $150 helps one child step into school proud, prepared, and ready to learn.
Every village has its generous givers — and your donations help carry the load for families across Far North Queensland. Right now, we’re seeking:
- Pre-loved or new uniforms for primary and high school students (especially public schools)
- Backpacks in good condition
- Primary school shoes (runners of any colour)
- High school shoes (black or white runners)
- Scientific calculators
- New lunchboxes and water bottles (for hygiene reasons)
Donations are welcomed from Cairns and surrounding areas including Atherton, Tully, Mareeba, Mossman, Babinda, and Innisfail.
Together, these contributions become more than supplies — they become confidence, dignity, and opportunity for local children.
Donation drop-off locations
Centacare Social Wellbeing Hub
39 Oak Street, Holloways Beach QLD 4787
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 3.00 pm
Ph: (07) 4055 0890 or 0417 608 141
Donate today...
Volunteer
Many hands make light work
Join our village of helping hands. From sorting uniforms and packing pencil cases to assisting at our January pop-up shops, your time makes a real difference.
Connect us with local hairdressers, organise a fundraising event, or share School Savvy through your networks, newsletters, and Facebook. Every action strengthens the village behind the backpack.
Want to know more ways you or your organisation can be part of the village?
Download our School Savvy Supporter Prospectus to see the many ways you can help children and families in 2026.
Need help?
Contact us
- 66 Pease Street, Manoora QLD 4870
- Open Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
- (07) 4044 0130
- schoolsavvyfnq@centacarefnq.org
