Master Chef contestant Ben Milbourne, Australian Cricketer Ed Cowan, the Hawthorn Football Club, local businesses
and politicians are rallying together to ensure Dunalley Primary School is not left behind, as students across the State
begin a new school year this week.

The Back to School – Rebuilding Dunalley Primary fundraiser is being held at the Westend Pumphouse in Hobart
on Tuesday, 12 February at 7pm, in an effort to assist with getting the devastated primary school back on its feet after
bushfires ripped through the town last month.

Donations for the silent auction have been flooding in from local businesses such as Chez Discovery – Bruny Island
Experience, Coal Valley Vineyard and as far away as Norway, with Olympian Jana Rawlinson’s bobsled team donating
signed team jersey.

Donating his time to the event, host and quiz master of the evening Southern Cross political reporter, Alex Johnston,
says he is looking forward to seeing the Tassie competitive spirit in full swing, all in the name of helping the students of
Dunalley.

“There are some big ticket items up for grabs in the auction, I hear there’s a bottle of 1996 Penfolds Grange I wouldn’t
mind bidding on,” Mr Johnston said.

“It’s going to be an exciting evening with some very well known Tasmanians attending, like Ben from MasterChef
Australia and who doesn’t love a good old fashioned quiz night?”

While no stranger to the spotlight, Mr Johnston said being asked to host an event for bushfire relief meant a lot to him.
“After seeing the devastation first hand over the last few weeks and being touched by the spirit of people impacted in the
bushfires, it’s a privilege to be involved to support such a worthwhile cause and help the kids.”

Passionate about the student’s education not suffering due to the fires, event organisers Kirilly Crawford, Carla Johnson
and Olivia Shekleton established the school themed event after talking with parents and students of Dunalley school.

“Like everyone, hearing the stories of those affected by the fires really moved us,” Ms Crawford said.

“We are Tasmanians and working together in times like this is just what we all do. The support that the community has
shown for Back to School is overwhelming – the donations, the ticket sales and the well wishes are all so appreciated.”

Tickets for the event are $40+bf and are on sale at www.backtoschooldunalley-eorg.eventbrite.com.au. All funds raised
on the evening will go directly to the Dunalley Primary School Working Group.
Carla Johnson