Students from five Greater Dandenong primary and secondary schools took part in the CERES Student Environment Leadership Summit at the Springvale Town Hall on Wednesday 5 April.
Council’s Sustainability team helped CERES facilitate the summit. Clothes and toys swap event coordinator Zoë Mohl also spoke with the students.
Each school brought a display to present to highlight what sustainability initiatives are occurring at their school.
What primary school students learnt from the summit
“I learnt about clothes swaps and climate change.”
“I learnt that all the bacteria that goes into the ocean causes damage to marine life.”
What primary school students liked about the summit
“I liked sharing about what we do at school.”
“I liked when we made paper pot plants and learned about biodiversity.”
“I liked how they got kids involved.”
“I liked how we got to try new stuff.”
“I liked when we talked about how to stop rubbish flowing into catchments.”
What primary students are going to do next
“I will try to raise awareness and try to stop climate change.”
“I will try and plant more trees.”
“I will use more reusable containers.”
“I will try my best to make a compost bin at home.”
“I will pick up litter.”
What secondary students learnt
“I learnt there are many ways that you can help the earth.”
What secondary students liked
“I liked the inclusion of other members of the community.”
What secondary students are going to do next
“Start a Green team.”
“Make our school more sustainable.”
“I will reduce my water usage at home.”
Kat Young, CERES Student Programs Communications and Operations Coordinator said the CERES School of Nature and Climate Student Programs team were excited to give students the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead positive change in their personal life and wider community.
“During the summit, we talked about the urban heat island effect, the importance of green space and looked at their school audits to identify sustainability solutions. We equipped students with important climate communication and behaviour change skills to take back to their school and community.
“The summit was a valuable tool to create student and community awareness on the climate and ecological crisis. We value the opportunity to inspire the young leaders of Greater Dandenong,” Ms Young said.
Council’s Sustainability Festival, A Sustainable Tomorrow, Together, is back for its ninth year this weekend and is full of inspiring ideas and workshops for all ages.
Greater Dandenong City Council Mayor, Cr Jim Memeti said this year’s theme reminds us that looking after the environment is everyone’s responsibility.
“While we may see our own actions towards a sustainable future as small, by working together our actions can make a significant difference,” the Mayor said.
Join the all-day market event tomorrow at the Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale, Saturday 9 April, from 10am-3pm.
The free, family-friendly event features live music, activities, workshops, and special events.
Annually, each Australian sends about 23kg of clothing to landfill. Learn the basics of how to fix damaged clothes and keep your wardrobe favourites in rotation at the Fix Your Clothes Workshop, or exchange unwanted clothes for fresh fashion at the Clothes Swap.
Take part in a Sustainable Craft Workshop or learn more about how trees affect humans and the environment during climate change at a special Talk by Dr Greg Moore.
The indoor and outdoor market will feature stalls with great innovative products to help protect the environment, and homegrown produce and free environmentally friendly food will keep you fed throughout the day.
