Four Beaconhills College students, all aged 13, have teamed up with Rochford Winery to organise a film night to raise funds for the endang-

ered Leadbeater's possum.

More than half the population of the possum, Victoria's state emblem, died in the fires. At Lake Mountain, just six survived from a colony of 300.

Students Ellie and Mollie Travica, Luke McConnell and Elly Robertson formed a team called HELP - Helping Endangered Leadbeater's Possums - to volunteer their time to provide shelter, food and a safe habitat for the remaining tiny marsupials.

The Beaconhills College students, now in year 8, started the group as part of the Future Problem Solving school program.

After winning the nationals finals of the program for their efforts, they will travel to the international finals in the US in May to showcase their work.

Elly, of Kallista, said the group had raised about $10,000 and hoped to add more this weekend.

"We decided at the start of the last [school] year that we wanted to do something on the bushfires.

"Almost everyone was focusing on the people and the well-known animals, but we found out about the Leadbeater's possum and we wanted to try to help that."

Healesville Sanctuary director John Gibbons said the "amazing group of young teens" was having a positive impact on the future of the Leadbeater's possum.

The film event is on at 7pm on Friday, with Toy Story starting at 8.30pm. Bring a picnic rug or folding chair, or hire one of a limited number of beanbags. Cost: adults $10, free for children under 12. Rochford Winery is at Maroondah Highway, Coldstream (Melway 277D9). Details: 59622119.