In the middle of the marketplace between the Baylis Street entrance and the food court stands a box full of bags.
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By January 18, Peter Burgess from St Vincent de Paul hopes it will be overflowing with school supplies donated to support families getting their children back into the classroom.
"A lot of kids turn up to school without food, without proper clothing, without a backpack full of what they need for the day," Mr Burgess said.
In other news:
For the past decade, the charity has partnered with the marketplace to host the Operation Backpack appeal which ensures every student has what they need to start the school year.
"Lack of education is a real precursor to homelessness so we want to help kids get an education that will set up their future right," Mr Burgess said.
"Education is the pathway to success and out of poverty. If we can give kids what they don't already have so that they're fully equipped, then they can start to access education."
During the bushfires last year, the team collected over 2000 school supply items that filled 100 backpacks. This year, they are hoping for similar numbers.
For the first time this year, on the outside of the donations box there is a QR code that when scanned allows users to vote for one of three schools to win up to $2000.