P & C News

Glen Innes High School Upgrades Water Facilities with New Hydrobanks

In a significant step towards promoting student health, sustainability, and community engagement, Glen Innes High School has installed three new Hydrobank water stations.

This initiative replaces the original water bubblers—installed over 30 years ago in 1990 as a School Representative Council (SRC) project—with modern hydration units that reflect current health and environmental standards.

The new Hydrobank stations offer both drinking fountains and bottle refill points, ensuring students, staff, and community members have hygienic and convenient access to water throughout the day. Unlike the previous bubblers, which only allowed water to be consumed directly, these updated units enable bottle refills for hydration on the go—supporting healthy habits and reducing the reliance on sugary drinks.

This upgrade was made possible through strong collaboration between Glen Innes High School P&C, Glen Innes High School , and the wider community, with funding generously made possible by the White Rock Wind Farm Community Fund, the Glen Innes High School P&C, and the school itself.

Involving students directly in the process, the SRC held a school-wide art competition to design the artwork now featured on the Hydrobanks, adding a unique and personal touch to the installations.

The new Hydrobanks not only benefit students and staff but also the wider Glen Innes community. Many local groups regularly use the school’s facilities, and they too now have access to these upgraded water stations.

This project supports several long-term goals: it encourages daily water consumption, helps reduce single-use plastic waste by promoting reusable bottles, and aligns with Australia’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

By creating easy and sustainable access to water, Glen Innes High School is fostering lifelong healthy habits and contributing to a greener future.

Leanne Eastwood

GIHS P&C President