Northern Beaches Council has awarded six local schools up to $2,000 for sustainability programs in the 2024 Eco Schools Grant Program.
Council annually commits $10,000 to the program to fund initiatives partly or fully in the fields of bush regeneration, carbon reduction, waste reduction, water reuse and reduction as well as sustainability education.
Mayor Sue Heins congratulated all the winners for their innovative programs.
“Congratulations to all the students, teachers, and staff for their hard work and inspiring leadership in environmental education in receiving these grants.
“This achievement is a testament to our community's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
“Our schools have demonstrated exceptional dedication to creating a greener future, and these grants will further empower them to implement innovative eco-friendly projects.
“Together, we are building a brighter, more sustainable world for future generations.” Mayor Heins said.
This year’s recipients include:
| School | Project | $ Funding |
| Belrose Public School | Water reuse and reduction | $2,000 |
| The Beach School | Bush regeneration | $2,000 |
| John Colet School | Sustainability education | $1,985 |
| Kamaroi Rudolf Steiner School | Sustainability education | $1,760 |
| Kambora Public School | Sustainability education | $1,470 |
| St Kevin's Primary School Dee Why | Waste reduction | $785 |
| Total | $10,000 |
One of the recipients – The Beach School in Allambie will apply their grant to creating wildlife nest boxes and installing them in the bushland reserve on school grounds. Selected native tree species will also be planted to increase the canopy cover of the school.
Assistant School Principal Wellbeing, Ross Whitfield said this project truly reflects the school’s purpose to regenerate the bush.
“Our little school is delighted to be recipients of the Northern Beaches Eco Schools Grant for Rewilding The Beach School.
“The money will be used to strengthen our collaboration with the team at Bushlink to improve the quality of habitat of the school’s bushland reserve. Students will work alongside the team at Bushlink in building nest boxes and establishing new native canopy trees.
“This project goes towards our long-term goal of being a safe secure refuge for both our students and local wildlife,” Deputy Principal Wellbeing Whitfield said.
These grants are part of Council’s annual community grants program which also includes grants for Environment, Sports and Infrastructure, Community and Cultural Development and Events.
To find out more about our grants program or apply visit Council’s website.