Smithton High School's Life Lab Works Crew program is gaining momentum and recognition within the broader community of Circular Head as it begins to extend its reach to locals in need.

The Life Lab program, led by Smithton High School Assistant Principal Lindsey Blake and Youth Worker Dudley Billing has become a permanent and reliable asset to the school community just two years into its inception.

The Life Lab began as a response to students struggling to integrate back into the school community following the first Covid lock downs. What evolved was the development of a space that focussed on reconnecting students with part time enrolments or specific learning challenges to the broader school community.

The learning at Life Lab typically starts with the preparation of breakfast or lunch, then a game of cards and a conversation.

Once the tasks set for the day have been discussed students will participate in maths or literacy tasks before heading out into the community or the school to assist with hands on projects in work crews.

The Works Crew was established in February this year with funding from the TCF and has allowed students to now get a regular insight into working lives of people in the broader community and provides an opportunity for them to give their time and effort to local causes.

Since the start of term 2 they have been able to assist the community in a lot of ways which has been fulfilling for everyone involved.

Circular Head Lions Club member Monica Monson enlisted the works crew to split and deliver firewood to families in need after the Lions Club trailer was written off in an accident. "We're so grateful for their help and hard work," said Monica.

"We'd have had no other way to get this wood out without their assistance.” Ali Coates of Grumpy Goat Farm has also been impressed by the support provided by the crew after her husband John was diagnosed with cancer.

"This is exactly what community is about and it's been fantastic having the works crew out here, they've been a massive help and we're always open to further collaboration.”

The range of skills being taught and implemented varies a great deal from job to job but is usually based in the skill sets of horticulture, agriculture, construction, and forestry.

“Our regular students are currently completing their industry white cards and we are now cooperating with TasTAFE to hopefully offer Cert 1 in Horticulture and Cert 1 in Agrifood Operations by the end of the year,” said Dudley.

"The program currently engages around 40 students per week and continues to respond to new challenges within the community. As the program gathers momentum, we look forward to helping each individual work to their own strengths and serve the region in the most effective way we can in the coming years."

TCF Chairperson, Sally Darke said it’s terrific to see the difference Life Lab is making for the students as well as the wider community.

“The leadership shown by Smithton High School to bring such an opportunity to a region like Circular Head is to be commended.”

“We know that when the students are making a positive difference to their community, they are going to benefit themselves as individuals, which is what Life Lab is designed to do,” Sally said.