Students from nine Macedon Ranges schools will come together to learn about environmental action at Hanging Rock Reserve today, Tuesday.
The Kids Teaching Kids Macedon Conference is a chance for youth to focus on issues that link to the shire including fire risk, native animal bio links, food chains and waste and waterways management.
Schools attending are Riddells Creek Primary School, St Mary’s Primary School Lancefield, Newham Primary School, Darraweit Guim Primary School, Hesket Primary School, Malmsbury Primary School, Woodend Primary School and Holy Cross New Gisborne.
Environmental charity Earthwatch Australia organised the event to empower schools and communities take care of local environmental and cultural spaces.
Students teaching peers and embracing environmental leadership will be supported by mentors from Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Newham and District Landcare Group, Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House Environment Group, and others.
Newham and District Landcare Group cofounder and mentor Jim Sansom will talk about environmental action with students.
“I’m so enthusiastic about helping the students realise what’s happening with our waterways,” he said.
“If you can engender some of enthusiasm and a realisation of how important [our environment] is at this age, it makes a big difference.”
The program has engaged 5196 students, 632 teachers, 278 schools and formed 47 environmental partnerships across the state.
Earthwatch Australia head of education partnerships Michelle Tripp said the conferences raised awareness for both schools and communities, uniting people to deal with challenges.
“These conferences raise awareness and drive action on local and global environmental issues, bringing communities together to solve common challenges,” she said.
“We are helping the next generation of leaders take collective responsibility for our future.”
