Connecting kids and nature

Childcare centres, schools and youth groups in the Cardinia Shire and Yarra Ranges will share in $409,500 of State Government funding for biodiversity projects and learning activities.

By Jessica Anstice

Childcare centres, schools and youth groups in the Cardinia Shire and Yarra Ranges will share in $409,500 of State Government funding for biodiversity projects and learning activities.

Gembrook Primary School Grants and 1st Gembrook Joey and Cub Packs and are among 113 recipients from across the state who have been allocated grants of up to $5000 through the 2020 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants.

As children and young adults return to face-to-face learning, the projects will engage pupils in outdoor, hands-on projects and environmental learning activities.

The projects and activities are designed to provide both environmental and educational outcomes, as well as health and wellbeing benefits.

“These projects will benefit young Victorians in Cardinia and Yarra Ranges by providing fun, interactive learning experiences to encourage appreciation and understanding of our natural environment,” Eastern Victoria Member Harriet Shing said.

The Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants are funded by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning through its Victorian Landcare Program.

The grants are delivered by Landcare Australia as part of its Junior Landcare program.

“With students returning to face-to-face learning across Victoria, these projects will provide not only an opportunity to learn, but also promote health and wellbeing,” Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said.

“The Victorian Government is committed to encouraging young Victorians to actively care for the natural environment.”

The government has allocated over $1.2 million for 350 projects through the grants program since 2018.