The latest round of Woolworths’ Junior Landcare Grants program has officially opened, offering primary schools and early learning centres the chance to share in $1 million.
Helping to grow the next generation of “environmental champions”, Woolworths and Landcare Australia are calling on all Aussie primary schools and early learning centres to apply for a grant of up to $1000 to help them develop projects focused on sustainability and inspiring students to play an active role in the future of their natural environment. This could include growing veggie or bush tucker gardens, creating compost for school gardening beds, setting up nestboxes or creating habitats to protect native wildlife.
Since launching the program in 2018, the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program, in partnership with Landcare Australia, has supported over 3814 school groups with more than $4 million in funding to help kids all across the country get hands-on with nature.
Through its Junior Landcare program, Landcare Australia has also worked closely with First Nations educator and Wiradjuri man Adam Shipp to develop environmental learning activities for educators and children to learn more about how they can have a connection to Country.
“The Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program is all about supporting fun and engaging learning experiences that can help younger generations connect with natural environments,” says Woolworths Group Chief Marketing Officer Andrew Hicks.
“Over the years, we’ve seen lots of creativity from schools and early learning centres looking to explore sustainability in action, and we can’t wait to see more of these ideas brought to life through this year’s program.
“We’re also excited about the new learning activities designed to help bring First Nations perspectives into the home and classroom. These activities are a great resource that highlight the invaluable perspectives and experiences of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community on the journey to creating more sustainable experiences for a better tomorrow.”
Mr Shipp adds: “As a proud Wiradjuri man, I believe it’s extremely important that environmental based organisations recognise and work with First Nations groups.
“By teaching younger generations about traditional ways of caring for Country, we can deepen knowledge of and respect for First Nations culture and practices. I look forward to seeing how students and teachers use the new Junior Landcare resources.”
Applications for the 2023 Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants are open now and close 17 March 2023. To find out more about the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants Program and to apply, visit juniorlandcare.org.au.