Students across Sunshine Coast and Brisbane are on their way to becoming the next generation of environmental champions with new funds from the 2023 Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program.
They join more than 1,100 schools and early learning centres across Australia, who will be awarded grants to help build and develop hands-on environmental learning projects.
Schools in the Sunshine Coast that will be awarded a grant of up to $1,000 include Sparrow Early Learning Buderim, Goodstart Early Learning, Petit Early Learning Journey.
Schools in Greater Brisbane that will be awarded a grant of up to $1,000 include Kidzco Early Learning, Kidi Kingdom Child Care, and Loganholme State School.
What are the grants used for?
Over the years, thousands of schools have used these grants to create interactive projects focused on sustainability and have inspired students to play an active role in the future of their natural environment.
This year, the program also officially included First Nations perspectives projects for the first time. Woolworths and Landcare Australia are excited to award more than 320 grants as part of this year’s funding to projects that focus on expanding students’ First Nations education and deepening their connection to Country.
With their projects up and running, Junior Landcare’s online Learning Centre, supported by Woolworths, offers a range of free online resources to help students of all ages build their knowledge of biodiversity, sustainable food production, waste management and more.
Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish, said: “For over 25 years, Junior Landcare has recognised the vital role children and young people play in caring for the environment. Thanks to the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants, and the Woolworths-supported Junior Landcare Learning Centre, young people have an opportunity to experience hands-on learning with environmental education.”
Proud Wiradjuri man and First Nations educator for Junior Landcare, Adam Shipp said: “The knowledge from our Elders and ancestors that have come before us is extremely important to capture and keep alive. Our lands will be much healthier in doing so, and so I am delighted that a number of Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants will be funding First Nations perspectives projects this year.
“From creating a yarning circle to learning about bush tucker – these are valuable experiences that can help our kids gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of First Nations culture and knowledge systems.”
To date, Woolworths has contributed over $5 million to more than 4,900 Junior Landcare projects across Australia and reaching more than 400,000 kids.
More information on this year’s recipients and a complete map of schools can be found here.
Related Stories
Nature IS nurture: Connecting your kids to the environment
Profile: Tangalooma EcoMarines
Heron Island: A turtle-y awesome eco-adventure for families
Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide for parents with kids events, attractions & things to do with kids, schools and education, school holiday guides, health & wellbeing for families, parenting and lifestyle news located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.
