GREATER SYDNEY REGIONAL JUNIOR LANCARE TEAM WINNERS
Megalong Public School students have been recognised in their efforts to help protect the critically endangered Megalong Valley Bottle Brush. Principal Stephanie Scott said the children worked with the Birraban Bushcare group and local Aboriginal Leader David King. They created the Guulong Landcare group, which launched a seed propagation project that incorporated traditional Aboriginal practices and learnings. The young green thumbs didn't stop there, creating a short film on the project and the significance of the species. The students all contributed to the film, shooting, editing and developing their own work to create a highly engaging piece of media.
Their incredible efforts were recently recognised when they were named winners of the junior category at the 2019 Greater Sydney Local Land Services Landcare Bushcare Forum. Greater Sydney Land Services Manager Vanessa Keyzer said the work of the children to not only save the species but engage with the broader community was exceptional. "They highlighted the plight of this unique species while emphasising its significance to the local Aboriginal community and created a film that is now a fabulous educational resource" she said.
Ms Scott said the project gave the students a deep understanding of the value of habitat and food webs and the importance of biodiversity and environmental sustainability. This has been extended throughout the school with improved recycling and waste mamagement, composting, vegie garden, worm farm and bush tucker garden.
Ms Keyzer said the children were hugely deserving of recognition.
