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Blossoming Futures
A new home for Wild Cherry Steiner School — Capital Campaign 2026
Our Mission
Inspiring a lifelong love of learning
Wild Cherry Steiner School nurtures the whole child — head, heart and hands — so every child can grow with confidence, creativity and compassion. As East Gippsland’s only Steiner school, we provide a vital educational alternative for families seeking a holistic, nature-connected approach to learning.
But to secure this future, we need your support to create a permanent, purpose-built home that reflects our values and serves our community for generations.
Our Goal
We are conducting a capital campaign to raise
$1.5M
to complete Stage 1 of our new Johnsonville campus — a purpose-built school designed for inclusion, creativity, and connection to the natural world.
By the Numbers
Our $5.8 million project is within reach
Government and financing have brought us most of the way. Now we need our community to help us cross the line.
$5.8M
Total project cost
$3.0M
Government grants secured
$1.3M
Covered by mortgage financing
$1.5M
Needed from philanthropic support
Funding progress
74% in place- $3.0M government grants secured
- $1.3M mortgage financing
- $1.5M philanthropic support needed
Construction begins late 2026
Site works on the new Johnsonville campus.
Doors open January 2028
Our children walk into their new home.
Why now
We are out of space. We are out of time.
Wild Cherry Steiner School has reached a turning point. Our current facilities do not reflect the richness of our education, or the potential of our children.
Outgrowing our home
Our current site — a heritage-listed, 100-year-old former hospital — has become unsustainable. Asbestos has forced us to vacate key spaces. Large portions of the building are unusable, leaving our community in cramped, overcrowded conditions that compromise our ability to deliver the full Steiner curriculum.
We purchased a portable classroom in 2025 — but it’s only a two-year solution.
Our students deserve more
Today, we operate without a dedicated staffroom, craft room, or library. Music is taught in the kindergarten. Assemblies are held in foyers. Concerts happen outdoors. Teachers and students adapt daily to spaces that simply cannot support them.
Without a new home, we cannot grow. Without growth, we cannot sustain the only Steiner education option for East Gippsland families. Your support will ensure we can relocate, rebuild, and thrive.
“The only Steiner school between the Dandenong Ranges and Bega.”
Our Plan
Stage 1: Johnsonville Campus
A purpose-built home on new land in Johnsonville — designed to serve Wild Cherry for generations.
The building
A new administration building and flexible primary school hub featuring four classrooms and a library — designed to adapt as the school grows.
- Flexible teaching spaces for all children
- Dedicated areas for music, craft, and individual instruction
The grounds
Essential infrastructure and nature-based learning environments that embody the Steiner philosophy.
- Sealed driveway, bus bays and safe drop-off zones
- Open play areas, natural landscaping, and The Rambla — an outdoor zone for exploration and wonder
Ways to Give
Make a gift that means something to you
We invite you to support the Wild Cherry Capital Campaign in a way that is meaningful to you. Naming opportunities are available for all levels of donor support.
One-time gifts
Make an immediate, tax deductible gift. Donate via bank transfer or by cheque. Wild Cherry is a registered Deductible Gift Recipient.
Multi-year pledges
Commit to a larger contribution over three years with manageable instalments.
Workplace giving
Support Wild Cherry through payroll giving with pre-tax donations directly from your salary.
Gifts of shares or property
Donating appreciated assets, such as shares or property, may offer tax advantages. Please contact us to discuss options.
In-kind contributions
Contribute construction materials, landscaping, furniture, technology, or professional services.
Employer matching
Check with your workplace to see if your employer will match your charitable donation.
Bequests and planned giving
Leave a lasting legacy by including Wild Cherry in your will.
Major gifts and naming opportunities
Recognition opportunities are available for significant contributions to key spaces within the new facility.
Speak with our School Leaders
Johanna Camm & Carissa Johnston welcome a conversation about how you might be part of this turning point — whether through a one-time gift, a multi-year pledge, in-kind support, or a major gift with naming recognition.
Updates & Milestones
The journey so far
Every gift, grant and good word brings our new home closer. This is where we’ll share campaign progress as the build unfolds.
May 2026Blossoming Futures campaign launches
We invite our community to walk this next chapter with us. The Blossoming Futures Capital Campaign begins, with naming opportunities available across the new Johnsonville campus.
March 2026$3M in government grants secured
After years of advocacy and planning, government funding of $3 million is confirmed — covering more than half of our total $5.8M project cost.
November 2025Johnsonville site secured
Land secured for the future home of Wild Cherry — a purpose-built campus designed for inclusion, creativity, and a deep connection to the natural world.
We’ll continue to share campaign news, donor stories and construction milestones here as our new home takes shape. Subscribe to the Wild Cherry Whisper to follow along.