Students at Waratah West Public School in Newcastle have organised a heartfelt fundraiser for their beloved school wellbeing support dog, Barney. The event, aptly named Barney's Bazaar, took place on Friday, May 8, and featured a pop-up shop filled with community donations and handmade goods.
Barney, a six-year-old Tamaruke dog, is known for his fluffy appearance and calming presence. He regularly visits classrooms, where he instantly lifts the mood of students and staff alike. The fundraiser was entirely student-driven, with pupils taking the lead in collecting donations, pricing items, and setting up the shop with guidance from School Support Learning Officer Virginia Murdoch.
Year 4 student Isabella Carmody expressed her joy in helping others through the shop. "I love helping people out when they're buying and getting to make things such as handbags out of towels," she said. "Barney needs lots of food and lots of toys to play with so Barney can have fun in life. Barney is fun and he helps people when they are sad."
Year 3 student Paige Chapman added, "I like that we are helping Barney because he is fluffy and playful. It is very creative and you get to do lots of fun things like you are actually working at a shop." Tyjaiya Duncan also shared her fondness for playing with Barney, noting that while he enjoys chasing balls, he does not always bring them back.
Parent Javeda Duncan, Tyjaiya's mother, appreciated the opportunity to visit the school for Mother's Day and witness her daughter's enjoyment. "A lot of the kids love coming to school because of Barney, and I think it brightens their day to come to school and see him," she said.
Principal Nicola Moroney explained that the fundraiser was part of the high potential and gifted education strategy, with proceeds supporting Barney's care, including grooming and vet visits, as well as additional learning resources. "The op-shop idea was generated from the students," she said.
Barney has been a fixture at the school for six years, originally donated to the school. At the time, having a dedicated support dog was rare, but Moroney noted that it is becoming increasingly common. The Department of Education has since implemented guidelines requiring such dogs to be on a lead and wear a collar at all times.
Barney lives with a retired staff member and comes to school three days a week. "Barney is one of our most important staff members," Moroney said. "He is a great support, and students will just sit with him. He has a calming influence." She highlighted how Barney helps students who are reluctant to read or anxious about attending school. "It is like magic. All I have to do is walk out there and hand the lead to the students, and the tears dry up."
Parent Toni Wilson found Barney particularly beneficial for her child, who has been diagnosed with level two autism. "He is like a cuddly teddy bear that is alive," she said.
