In the years since Edens Landing State School (ELSS) opened its doors in 1997, Wayne Tuckett - the school's "heart and soul" - has been instrumental in creating a supportive space with an inclusive spirit that reaches into the community, including a breakfast club and bush dance.

Mr Tuckett began the school’s breakfast club in 2014 after identifying a group of students that needed extra support.

“In the beginning, there were two or three of us making toast for a large group of students who came to school hungry. It was an opportunity to chat, get to know them and interact on a casual basis outside of the classroom,” he said.

Mr Tuckett, who could be regularly seen walking into school with armfuls of jam and vegemite, gained a better understanding of the needs of the community through this initiative.

Consequently, the club expanded to serve more families and young people, including parents bringing their children before school started, saying they had no food at home.

As the club grew, he helped to secure sponsorships and financial support from external groups to meet the growing physical and emotional needs of the community.

School staff still help with cooking and serving, but more and more volunteers now come from outside the school.

“These volunteers, all of whom are retired, say how much they enjoy spending time with the young people of our school,” he said.

The effects of the club are far-reaching. It can be seen in the decline in student absences due to parents who were previously unable to feed their children, and in the reduction of stigma in the community as families come together. It also provides an extra opportunity for school staff to see which families may need additional support and to build relationships in a relaxed environment.

The annual community bush dance, which has cemented itself as a cornerstone of the community, is another example of his impact.

Originally planned as a one-time event for school's 20th anniversary in 2017, participants got so excited by the event they decided to continue running it. Mr Tuckett has been a big part of this annual even ever since.

“It’s a time”, he says, “for families to bring their diverse cultures and backgrounds to celebrate a close and caring community.”

“It also provides other community partners to engage in positive interactions and build a true community spirit,” he said.

And he doesn't stop there. He's a part of the school musical, kitchen garden, and Christmas carols too.

Past students still ask after Mr Tuckett when they enrol their own children, owing to the invaluable role he has played to foster a deep sense of belonging in the school and the wider Edens Landing community.

“It’s a bit of a shock when you realise that many years have passed and even more of a shock when the parent still remembers you,” he smiled.

“It truly highlights the impact teachers have, and I see it as the highest compliment.”

Mr Tuckett is a finalist at the Queensland College of Teachers TEACHX Awards, in Outstanding Contribution to School Community category.

Winners will be announced October 27th, on the eve of World Teachers' Day in Queensland.