The funds were raised by Lane Cove Youth Orchestra (LCYO) and Hunter Hills High School in December through the Red Earth Christmas Concert and gifted to Namoi Partner Schools.

Namoi Partner Schools consists of Gunnedah South Public School, Gunnedah Public School, Carroll Public School, Boggabri Public School, Mullaley Public School, GS Kidd Memorial School, Tambar Springs Public School, Curlewis Public School and Gunnedah High School.

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Namoi Partner Schools' Ken White said the funds would be a great help for families affected by the drought, which "have not got the finances or time to participate in the support of student programs".

"The funds raised will also assist with the well-being support for students who are expected to work more to support farm activities and also be engaged in their learning at school," he said.

Namoi Partner Schools chair Ben Carter said a new trial initiative was a combined sports program starting March 1.

Mr Carter said each Friday 500 students from Years 3-6 at Carroll Public School, Mullaley Public School, Gunnedah South Public School and Gunnedah Public School would come together to participate in nominated sports including tag and touch football, cricket, gymnastics, dance, table tennis and archery.

Infants will also combine for "activities on fundamental movement and acquiring various skills through game play".

"We were trying to work out a way to get the smaller schools involved and help kids make friends outside of their school groups and we wanted to promote local sport venues to encourage weekend participation," Mr Carter said.

"We’re aiming at getting some of the high school students to come and coach during these sessions, so we’re building towards that."

Funding will also be used for professional development, Education Week Awards and cultural activities such as Connecting to Country.

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