House in Focus: BURFORD

In 2023, the Burford Captains Vera Di Bella and Kurtis Ambrose, together with the Leaders, agreed on an initiative supporting an organisation called ‘Purple House.’ Purple House supports indigenous Australians who suffer from kidney disease. When a person’s kidneys stop working, they can require haemodialysis treatment three times a week indefinitely. Purple House runs 18 remote dialysis clinics enabling people to get back to their country and family. It also offers respite and support with dialysing in Alice Springs or Darwin. Purple House not only supports Aboriginals with this disease, but also their families. They have many different facilities in place such as the purple truck, the purple shed, general practitioners, podiatrists, and physiotherapists. They also run programs such as 'Return to Country' and social support which is called 'Malpas'. 

The ‘Return to Country’ program helps patients get home to their families and communities for short-term visits in between dialysis treatments, arranging their return to Alice Springs or Darwin in time for their next treatment. Purple House provides education to patients new to dialysis, support and advice to other healthcare services wanting to offer dialysis treatments, and also shares its approach to culturally safe care. 

This year, Burford is aiming to run many fundraising activities to raise funds to donate to Purple House and support those who are in need. The 2023 Captains and Leaders of Burford have many different initiatives planned that aim to target all areas of interest. This includes academia, creative/performing arts as well as sport. Our overall aim is to make 2023 a memorable and successful year for all students in Burford whilst supporting such an amazing and important cause.

The 2023 swimming carnival was Chevalier's first whole school carnival since the outbreak of Covid-19. Burford students walked in with their team spirit at an all-time high, with Burford winning the first chanting competition of the day! Throughout the day, all students of Burford showed incredible team spirit. Many students got in the pool and gave their best whether it was in the novelty races or competitively. The Burford Captains and Leaders, as well as all the other Year 12 students, are immensely proud of each and every student and eternally grateful for making their last swimming carnival one to remember. We cannot wait to see what the next year holds for Burford, and we hope to see the team spirit and participation continue to rise. Let’s go Burford!

Burford Captains Vera Di Bella and Kurtis Ambrose