Pemberton students “slime” staff at Colour Run fundraiser for multi-stage playground redevelopment plan

Pemberton students raised more than $10,800 for their school at the annual Colour Run, motivated by the opportunity to slime staff on the day. Principal of Pemberton District High School Lee Illingworth said the funds raised from the Colour Run would go towards a multi-stage playground redevelopment plan. Students from kindergarten to Year 10 collected donations from friends, family and community members for the annual event. “In the lead-up to the event, individuals and classes who had registered the most fundraisers and raised the most funds received awards,” Mr Illingworth said. Mr Illingworth said the awards included “a dance party” and the “opportunity to slime” deputy principal Andrew Hughes and science teacher Nick Harger. The annual Colour Run was hosted by the school’s P&C, and co-ordinated by teacher Natasha Cockram. The event took place on April 11, the last day of term one. “Funds raised from the 2025 Colour Run are going towards the school’s $60,000 target to fund stage two, which will purchase a new playground for the junior primary play area,” Mr Illingworth said. “Stage one was completed in February 2025, which saw the installation of three new swing sets in early childhood, junior primary and senior playgrounds, as well as new monkey bars and climbing frame in early childhood.” At the event, students ran a course that included slip-and-slides and a bubble zone, getting covered in colour, water and slime thrown by staff and parent volunteers. Mr Illingworth said at the conclusion of the event, the top 10 fundraisers got to tip buckets of slime over a staff member or P&C volunteer.