Blackwood Special Schools Outdoor Education Centre Inc. a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation that is focused on appreciation, respect, tolerance, teamwork, challenge and inclusion.

As their website states, the Centre "is a destination exclusively for students from Victorian Special Schools, where they are given every opportunity to laugh, live, learn and have fun through outdoor adventure-based programs.

Surrounded by the stunning Wombat State Forest the Centre was established in 1970 and provides the ideal setting for adventure, environmental, creative and developmental programs aimed at extending the abilities of students with special needs. The layout of the Centre complements and utilises the natural beauty of the property to provide a variety of activity sites designed to challenge students both individually, and, within a team environment to further their personal, emotional, social and physical development."

They've recently completed construction of wheelchair-accessible high and low ropes courses, complimenting their already vast array of activities, which include archery, bushwalking, bike riding, frisbee golf, geo-caching yabbying, and many more.

To take advantage of the beautiful night sky visible from Blackwood, away from the light pollution of the city, a conservatory is going to be built at the centre. In order to raise funds for its construction, the board got in touch with a few AFL clubs to see about tin-rattling on the concourse outside their games. The Western Bulldogs agreed, allowing us to fundraise around Etihad Stadium before their game on Sunday, and even provided us tickets to watch the match afterwards.

A lot of people stopped to hear more about what the school does, and were more than happy to help out when we explained Blackwood's inclusive goals. After three hours of fundraising we managed to raise $2,000 towards our goal, thanks to the generosity of football fans. 

We were honoured to be able to help this great organisation in any way. Fundraising efforts are continuing, so keep an eye on this page, as we'll be updating it with new opportunities for donations as they occur.

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