United Nations Award recognises local primary school's efforts

17/6/03
Mullaloo Heights Primary School has been awarded a prestigious United Nations Association of Australia award for its innovative permaculture project.
Over the past 18 months, students transformed a former wasteland between two school buildings into a self-sustaining garden, complete with a recycling centre, chicken run, worm farm and tree nursery.
Environment and Heritage Minister Judy Edwards congratulated Mullaloo Heights Primary School for being one of only three Australian schools to win a prestigious UN award, winning in the category of Best School Based Project Exploring Environmental Themes or Issues.
"It is wonderful to see one of our State schools recognised for its strong commitment to sustainable practices and responsible environmental values," Dr Edwards said.
"Each class at the primary school had its own garden and was responsible for certain tasks, such as worm farming, composting, permaculture or tending young trees in the tree nursery.
"One lesson per week was dedicated to the garden, but many students spent much more time there, with parents and other members of the community.
"All the young people involved in this project are genuine environmental leaders, which gives me great confidence for the future of environmental management in Western Australia."
Dr Edwards thanked the teachers, parents, and sponsors, including Joondalup City Council, Planet Ark, and the Environmental Protection Authority, for their outstanding support for the project.
North Dandalup Primary School also reached the finals in the competition.
Media contact: John Carey 9220 5050