19 April 2018 | Environment

Seven local schools have received funding for environmental projects such as food gardening, waste minimisation, bushcare, biodiversity and bike education through City of Canada Bay’s 2018 Small Environmental Grants for Schools.

A total of $16,000 has been allocated to All Hallows’ Catholic Primary School, Abbotsford Public School, Concord High School, Domremy College, Mortlake Public School, St Mary’s Concord Catholic Primary School and Victoria Avenue Public School.

The annual program supports school based projects that demonstrate environmental sustainability principles, foster whole of school engagement and target behaviour change for sustainability.

“Since the program began in 2013, we have funded more than 30 projects in the areas of water conservation, food security and waste minimisation,” Mayor Tsirekas said.

“These projects teach students how to implement sustainable practices that benefit the health of individuals and our broader environment.

“I congratulate all awardees and look forward to seeing their projects progress.” 

A funding boost of $2500 will allow All Hallows’ School in Five Dock to establish food gardens and native plantings to encourage local biodiversity and help students learn the benefits of locally grown and harvested food.

Bike education is a top priority at Victoria Avenue Public School, which will use its $3000 grant to purchase 12 bikes and teach students cycling skills, road safety, bike maintenance and environmental awareness of wetlands via cycling excursions.

Abbotsford Public School and Domremy College both aim to reduce the amount of landfill waste by running War on Waste projects, targeting food packaging from lunch boxes and improving school recycling systems.

Mortlake Public School students will create an environmental mural, Concord High will remediate the Crane Street wildlife corridor and St Mary’s will create fruit and vegetable gardens and worm farms with the aim of sharing edible produce with their neighbours at St Mary’s Aged Care Facility.

Photo: City of Canada Bay General Manager Peter Gainsford (far left) with recipients of Council’s 2018 Small Environmental Grants for Schools at Cabarita Park.