Meet the Team
Our team is passionate about fueling kids with quality breakfasts so they start their day right! Our program encourages children to attend school and helps support children to avoid the embarrassment of not having any food.
The long-term benefit of education can determine the quality of an individual’s life and provide a foundation for equity in society.
We believe we can support kids to get the best start by fueling them to have the energy they need.
Paddy Pool
Operations Manager
With 30 years of experience in Territory Sales and Business Development prior to his role as Operations Manager, Paddy is passionate about community engagement. He builds strong sponsor relationships while ensuring the food and backpacks reach those in need.
Paula Pool
Co-Founder and Director
Paula is a proud Townsville mother of two, who has a passion for fitness and community service. Coming from a family dedicated to helping others, she now applies herself to helping those in need. She is devoted to making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.
Demelza Gardem
Co-Founder and Director
Demelza is a local teacher and mum who saw first-hand students arriving at school hungry and without the basic essentials required to equip them for success. She reached out to her friend Paula and they decided to do something to encourage the Townsville community to come together to ensure all children are able to access schooling.
Our Values
INCLUSIVE
Our program is available to all students who attend state school.
CONNECTED
Students get to connect with their peers and adults outside of the classroom.
HEALTH
Contribute to a child’s nutritional requirements by providing a meal at the beginning of the day.
SAFE
All clubs are supervised by adults for at least an hour before school starts - usually the time when many parents need to travel to work.
ATTENDANCE
Breakfast Clubs encourage children to come to school without the embarrassment of not having access to food at home.
Our school community values the support we receive from Fuel for Schools.
It is hard to quantify school improvement due to the breakfast program in numbers. I can say that our parents are totally supportive of the breakfast program and when I see the smiles on the kids’ faces as they are devouring their toast, you can see community satisfaction right there.
Schools are complex places these days with limited budgets that are targeted to meet the learning, social, emotional and physical needs of our students. A hassle-free breakfast program servicing over 150 students a morning directly contributes to strengthening our school community. Strangely enough, kids come a little earlier on Mondays and Fridays.
John Kratzmann, Principal Kirwan State School – Strive to Excel