NEWS RELEASE

The Port of Portland together with Iluka Resources, GrainCorp, Incitec Pivot, POAGs and Gunns have rallied behind the students of the Portland Secondary College Re-engagement Program by providing the Port of Portland Community Bus. 

By providing a bus for the centre and its students, for three years, Jim Cooper , Port of Portland CEO and the group of businesses from the Port have opened up a world of freedom and learning opportunities beyond the classroom, which in turn supports the continuation of these 32 young people in education.

The Port of Portland and its customers were impressed with the initiative of the Portland Community in establishing the Re-Engagement Program and they wanted to help in a direct and useful way.

Jim Cooper said “When we were approached to provide our support we were immediately struck by the importance of this project for Portland’s Youth and the enthusiasm of the community to help.  Within a few days we had the full support of all the major businesses on Port and we were able to secure a brand new Toyota bus with all fuel supplied for the use of the school.  We hope that this bus will give the school the freedom to travel when they like and offer the students varied and flexible activities away from the class-room.”

The depth of support to the future of Portland’s youth is highlighted by Jim Cooper and the Port Community Bus.

This demonstrates the true collaborative effort between Portland Secondary College and the community of Portland to set up the Re-Engagement Program.

The keys to the Port Community Bus were officially handed over to the Program Leader, Chris Thomas, on Friday17 June at the Portland Re-engagement Program Launch.

Click here to view a photo of the bus

17 June 2011