VOTERS who arrive at The Junction Public School's polling booth and buy a sausage sandwich, bacon and egg roll or cupcake may think they are treating themselves to breakfast or morning tea.
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But for the parents and citizens committee volunteers who have donated the sweet treats or are manning the barbecue, each item represents resources for their children and connections with the wider community.
P&C representative Julie Wharton said early preparations for the election day barbecue and cake stall began at the start of the school year, before the polling date was confirmed.
She said "dozens and dozens" of volunteers had been involved over the past four weeks, from those who cooked, wrapped and moved the baked goods, to those who will work one of the four shifts to man the barbecue and cake stall from around 8am to 2pm.
They have ordered 400 sausages, 120 eggs, six kilograms of bacon and 10 kilograms of sliced onion.
"We're driven by a passion for the school community that we are all part of," Ms Wharton said.
"Every little bit counts.
"We want to give our kids access to resources that can support them, not just in education but the environment in which they're learning.
"We have a very diverse school community and we see both extremes. We can assist in providing resources that are going to be equitable, which may give kids access to things they may not otherwise have access to."
Ms Wharton said the P&C hoped to raise about $1500, which she said was likely to go towards a $50 grant for each student who made a state representative level or above in their chosen extra curricular activity, as well as to upgrade technology.
"The school has identified some STEM and technology goals this year, but whether this event or the next two or three events go towards that, we're not sure. We try to align our fundraising with the school plan."
Ms Wharton said the P&C put $40,000 to school projects during the past financial year. Previous projects have included installing defibrillators; a telephone system connecting each classroom to save office staff and students conveying messages in person; and air conditioning.
They are also contributing to ongoing projects including a sensory wall and fitness park.
"Even in a perfect world with perfect funding, there will be a place for P&Cs for little bits and pieces that are the icing on the cake."
The P&C barbecue will have sausage sandwiches; bacon and egg rolls; and rolls with all three ingredients: bacon, egg and a sausage.
"People will buy it," Ms Wharton said.
"A lady suggested it and I was scratching my head, 'really?', but she was spot on."
The cake stall will include biscuits, slices, lollies, cupcakes, chocolate-dipped marshmallows and donuts, as well as gluten-free and vegan items. Soft drinks and water will also be for sale.
Ms Wharton said supporting a public school's barbecue or cake stall was a good way to engage with the community, both for those with connections to the school and without.
"They may not be your kids, but they may be the kids next door, across the road, your grandkids or yours in a few years time."
Details: https://democracysausage.org
Helen Gregory
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
