About us
Our history
About State Schools Relief
For more than 95 years, State Schools Relief has supported Victorian government school students facing financial hardship, ensuring every student can learn, participate, and belong with dignity.
We remove barriers to education by providing essential uniforms, shoes, learning resources and technology to students who need them most. Our support helps students show up with confidence, feel included, and focus on their future.
We work alongside schools to respond quickly, respectfully and fairly - delivering support when it matters most. Because when students have what they need, they can thrive, participate and reach their full potential.
Why we exist
No child should be excluded from education because of circumstance.
Financial hardship, family disruption, illness, homelessness or crisis can prevent students from fully participating in school life. We exist to ensure these challenges never define a student’s opportunity.
Through practical support delivered with care, we restore confidence, strengthen belonging, and create equal access to education for every student.
Our story
State Schools Relief began in 1930, during the Great Depression. Anton Vroland, a head teacher at Elsternwick State School, brought together teachers and principals who were concerned about children living in extreme hardship along the Yarra River and near the Dudley Flat tip. From that meeting, State Schools Relief was formed – built on a simple idea: schools know which children need help most, and communities can work together to support them.
That spirit of “from children to children” remains at the heart of our work today.
Our purpose
To remove barriers to education by providing essential support with dignity.
Our vision
Every student has equal access to education with a sense of belonging and dignity.
Our values
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Dignity |
We ensure every child feels seen, supported, and included, never defined by circumstance. |
|---|---|
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Impact |
We focus on results that matter, students engaged, families supported, futures enabled. |
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Empathy |
We put people at the heart of every decision, allowing us to see the world through their eyes. |
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Trust |
We protect people’s confidence in us through fairness, transparency, and quality. |
Established in 1930
95+ years of continuous operation
Long-term partnership with Victorian Government
Our impact
Our impact
Our impact is measured not only in items delivered, but in confidence restored, dignity protected, and opportunity created.
By delivering essential support directly to schools, we reduce financial pressure on families and help students feel prepared, included and ready to learn.
Every item provided represents more than assistance — it represents belonging, confidence and the chance to succeed.
Impact at a glance (2025)*
|
96k+ requests for support received |
$7.9M in direct family savings |
1,340+ Victorian government schools supported |
68K+ students supported |
*Data covers all programs, including Victorian Government initiatives (Affordable School Uniforms, Glasses for Kids, Travel Passes), as well as iPad and Laptop programs and OneSight Vision vouchers.
Long-term impact
Since 2016, we have:
- Responded to more than 600,000 requests for support
- Distributed over 2.1 million essential items
- Delivered more than $61 million (wholesale) in cumulative family savings
Our work strengthens communities, supports teachers, and helps students feel prepared, included and ready to learn.
More than essentials
Every uniform, pair of shoes or learning device represents more than a material item. It represents inclusion, confidence and the opportunity to fully participate in education.
How we work
How we work
Our approach is simple and student-centred. We listen to schools, identify where help is needed most, and deliver support quickly and fairly.
Our guiding principles
Discreet
We respect students’ privacy. Items are delivered in plain packaging, and support is provided without stigma.
“Receiving these items increases inclusivity, self-esteem, contentment, sense of belonging.”
- Victorian government school teacher
Hassle-free
We trust schools. No paperwork, evidence, or student identification is required.
“Just seeing the students' faces light up and feel like everyone else, is priceless. The relief and gratitude shown by the families is just beautiful.”
– Victorian government school teacher
Rapid
Requested items are usually despatched within 3 business days.
“Items received are of a very good quality and come in a very timely manner.”
- Victorian government school teacher
High-quality
All items provided are brand new and of high quality, supporting student confidence and dignity.
“Students are definitely happier when they have the correct uniform and fit in with their peers.”
- Victorian government school teacher
Working with schools
Schools apply on behalf of students, ensuring support reaches those who need it without placing additional burden on families.
- Items are despatched within 3 business days
- No paperwork or evidence required
- Plain packaging for privacy
- 100% of donations go directly to students
Removing pressure from families
By supplying essential items directly to schools, we help ease financial pressure on families and support student participation across the school community.
"The students and families are less stressed about the financial burden of uniforms and it allows students to feel comfortable at school and not worried about supplies."
- Victorian government school teacher
Partnership with government
State Schools Relief is a long-term trusted partner of the Victorian Department of Education. Since our inception, the Victorian Government has covered our operating costs, meaning every dollar donated goes directly to supporting students.
Resources and publications
See the impact of our work in our Annual Report
People & governance
Our people and governance
State Schools Relief is guided by an experienced Board and led by a dedicated executive team with deep expertise across education, government, community services and not-for-profit leadership.
Board of directors
State Schools Relief is governed by an independent Board responsible for strategic direction, financial oversight and organisational integrity.
Senior leadership team
Our executive team leads strategy, partnerships, programs and operations to ensure State Schools Relief delivers impact at scale.
Advisory and stakeholder engagement
Twice each year, State Schools Relief brings together leaders from education and community organisations for a Stakeholder Forum.
This forum is our key consultative body, dedicated to reducing disadvantage and improving outcomes for Victorian government school students and their families. It provides a space for open discussion, collaboration and partnership building across the education and community sectors.
Through these conversations, we identify emerging needs, share insights and explore new ways to support students experiencing hardship. The expertise and perspectives of our partner organisations play a vital role in shaping our work and informing our approach.
Join the Stakeholder Forum
We invite organisations and sector leaders to express interest in joining the Stakeholder Forum and contributing to the future direction of our work.
By participating, you help strengthen collaboration across the sector and support our shared goal of ensuring every student has equal access to education, dignity and belonging.
To submit an expression of interest, please email contact@ssr.net.au.
Partners and supporters
Participation in education is the one of the strongest pathways out of poverty.
Working together to support students
Across Victoria, individual donors, partner organisations, philanthropic foundations, and schools work alongside State Schools Relief to support students experiencing hardship.
Their generosity helps provide essential items - including uniforms, shoes and learning resources - that enable students to fully participate in their education with dignity and confidence.
We are proud to work alongside partners who share our commitment to equity, dignity and opportunity.
Our partners include:
- the Victorian Government
- school communities
- corporate partners
- philanthropic foundations
- community and education organisations
Partner with us
We work closely with organisations that share our commitment to educational equity and meaningful, measurable impact.
If your organisation is interested in partnering with State Schools Relief, we welcome the opportunity to talk. Partnerships can support a range of programs and initiatives that deliver practical outcomes for students across Victoria.
To discuss partnership opportunities, please contact us.
Partnerships
Principal partner
Victorian Department of Education
With funding from the Victorian Government, delivered through the Victorian Department of Education, State Schools Relief provides essential resources such as school uniforms, shoes, glasses and calculators. This support helps students participate fully in school life and achieve their best.
Corporate partner
Bank First
Through the support of Bank First, non-verbal Victorian students receive iPads equipped with specialised communication apps. These devices provide a vital way for students to communicate with families, teachers, carers and peers — supporting connection, learning and inclusion at school.
Philanthropic and community supporters
We are also supported by a broad network of philanthropic foundations, community organisations and schools whose contributions help us respond to growing demand and reach students across metropolitan, regional and remote Victoria.
Philanthropic supporters
- Andrews Foundation
- ANZUK
- Australian Communities Foundation
- Gandel Philanthropy
- Perpetual Philanthropic Services
- The William Angliss Charitable Fund
- The Women of the University Fund
Other supporters
- Association of Retired Principals of Technical Institutions
- Cardinia Shire Council
- Ernst & Young
- Anglican Parish of Christ Church Essendon
- The Country Women’s Association
- The Doll Association of Victoria
- The Smith Family
- Toyota Australia
Community partner organisations
Ourschool – the alumni program for public purpose
Ourschool is Australia’s only not-for-profit alumni program dedicated solely to state secondary schools - and it’s changing the game when it comes to schools unlocking the power of their alumni to inspire current students and benefit their school communities.
The charity teaches public high schools how to grow supportive alumni communities. Former students are encouraged to give back in meaningful ways - by providing career guidance to current students, work experience, scholarships, or simply sharing their stories.
Schools sign up to receive Ourschool’s service, which is funded from modest school subscriptions and grants from government and philanthropy.