School focus on sustainability a winner

11/11/05
Nine schools from around the State have been recognised for their programs, leadership and projects in this year's Western Australian Environmental Education for Sustainability Awards.
Environment Minister Judy Edwards said the awards in eight different categories recognised the importance of education and awareness to effect behavioural change in respect to the environment and sustainability.
"The students coming through our schools today will be the environmental leaders of tomorrow," Dr Edwards said
"The high levels of energy and work put into learning about and caring for the environment by the students and the dedicated teaching staff is vital 0for a sustainable future.
"As one of the entries said, the degree of environmental awareness in students is a fair measure of how basic understanding can change behaviours and develop lifelong beliefs that will create a more sustainable world."
The Minister said the awards were just one aspect of State Government initiatives to increase environmental awareness in WA schools.
"We also are aiming to encourage senior leaders from Government and private sector organisations to support and commit to environmental education in WA as an integral part of their business and to achieve sustainability," she said.
"This approach is building on work already being undertaken through the Environmental Education Strategy and Action Plan, the Environmental Education Advisory Committee and Department of Environment."
Dr Edwards said a recent survey of environmental education programs identified 96 programs operating in WA. The survey showed habitat protection, flora and fauna conservation and water conservation were the top three issues targeted by the programs. Energy conservation, vehicle use and air quality were the least targeted.
"It therefore is significant that many of the projects recognised by the environmental education for sustainability awards included community partnerships, creating new habitat for displaced fauna, rehabilitation works, investigation of fish stocks and desalination and recycling," she said.
The winners included school students and teachers from North Dandalup, Calista, Badgingarra, Coogee and East Hamersley primary schools, Perth College Kindergarten and Albany Senior High School, Denmark High School and Kinross College. Amaroo and Lancelin primary schools received commendation along with Willetton Senior High School.
Minister's office - 9220 5050

LIST OF WINNERS
Premier's Education for Sustainability
Winner: North Dandalup Primary
Commended: Amaroo Primary
Neighbourhood Connections Award
Winner: Calista Primary School
Great Investigations Award
Winner: Albany Senior High
Commended: Lancelin Primary
Commended: Willetton Senior High
Cool Eco-Tool Award
Winner: Badgingarra Primary
Greener Schools Award
Winner: Badgingarra Primary
Environmental Champion Award
Winner: East Hamersley Primary
Winner: Coogee Primary
Young Green Stars Award
Winner: The Perth College Kindergarten
Inspiring Environmental Educator Award
Winner: Keith Brown, Coogee Primary
Winner: Jenny Findlay, Denmark High School
Winner: John Cole, Kinross College

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