Long-Term Partnership Reaps Rewards for East Devonport
TasPorts’ partnership with East Devonport Primary School is delivering meaningful social and educational outcomes for students and the broader community.
Posted
27 May 2025
TasPorts’ partnership with East Devonport Primary School is delivering meaningful social and educational outcomes for students and the broader community.
Over the past four years, TasPorts has worked closely with the school to provide excursions, talks from maritime professionals, hands-on learning experiences, and financial support for its school lunch program.
Most recently, Harbour Master Captain Mick Wall visited Grade 6 classes to share insights into his career — from navigating ports and piloting large vessels to adventures on the high seas.
TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said feedback from students, staff and families has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Our focus is on introducing students to the world of ports and the career opportunities that exist right in their community,” Mr Donald said.
Students have taken part in a range of engaging activities including excursions to the Bass Strait Maritime Museum, Devonport Airport, and historic vessel Julie Burgess, as well as a whole-of-school art competition designing ‘ships of the future.’
In 2022, the winning student artworks were unveiled as part of a large public information sign by Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Mayor Alison Jarman.
TasPorts has also hosted multiple career expos where staff including engineers, builders, safety navigators, marine pilots, carpenters, environmental officers and underwater drone operators demonstrated their roles through interactive displays.
In 2024, TasPorts began funding one additional day per week for the school's lunch program, ensuring students receive a healthy meal five days a week. The initiative complemented support from the Department of Education, Children and Young People and Loaves and Fishes, helping cover a critical gap to ensure the positive impact of this program including increased attendance and participation, and assisting local families with a healthy hot lunch option served at school, is delivered across the entire school week.
"This targeted support means 220 students are guaranteed a nutritious lunch every day they're at school, which supports both wellbeing and attendance," Mr Donald said.
"With many of our employees living in the region, we're proud to invest in the future of East Devonport through programs that build connection, aspiration and learning."
The partnership is part of TasPorts’ ongoing commitment to communities where it operates.
