Bush tucker to desert Gardens: Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants spark unforeseen paths in kids’ environmental education

From bush tucker to thriving desert vegetable gardens, the Woolworths Junior Landcare grants are boosting kids’ environmental learning in some unexpected ways.

More than 1100 schools and early learning centres across the nation are set to boost their hands-on environmental projects, thanks to a recent wave of national grants.

The Woolworths Junior Landcare Fund program awarded each centre up to $1000, prioritising those with sustainable food production, waste management, biodiversity, and First Nations initiatives in their plans.

BUSH TUCKER GARDEN

Victoria’s Nido Early School in Woodend was one of the 325 centres to receive a grant for expanding student’s First Nations perspectives and deepening their connection to Country.

Elisha James, the centre’s executive service manager, said through their proposed Bush Tucker Garden project, children would be introduced to food production and consumption from a First Nation, sustainable and environmental perspective.

“Our goal is for our young children to have a sense of country and belonging, where they can experience a sense of achievement from planting, growing and harvesting healthy edible food,” Ms James said.

Educator Hollie and child Bobby planting a native tree at Victoria’s Nido Early School in Woodend. Picture: Venness Photography

“Our team and children will be hands on planting and growing seeds while learning about our Indigenous culture and respect to the land.

“We will be hands-on, designing new garden beds, as well planting seeds and more established plants. This will all happen while being immersed in watching the seeds grow before our eyes.”

Renowned First Nations educator, Adam Shipp, said the program’s commitment to preserving ancestral knowledge played a role in cultivating a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture in young minds.

“The knowledge from our Elders and ancestors that have come before us is extremely important to capture and keep alive,” Shipp said.

Victoria’s Nido Early School in Woodend was one of the 325 centres to receive a grant for expanding student’s First Nations perspectives and deepening their connection to Country. Picture: Venness Photography

“Our lands will be much healthier in doing so, and so I am delighted that a number of Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants will be funding First Nations perspectives projects this year.

“From creating a yarning circle to learning about bush tucker – these are valuable experiences that can help our kids gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of First Nations culture and knowledge systems in their everyday environments.”

FLOURISHING DESERT GARDEN

St Barbara’s Parish School – situated about 500km north of Adelaide in the outback mining town of Roxby Downs – has successfully cultivated a vibrant Science Club Veggie Garden despite the challenging desert conditions.

Students from St Barbara's Parish School in Roxby Downs, 500kms north of Adelaide, received a Woolworths Junior Landcare Fund in 2022 for a Science Club Veggie Garden. Picture: Supplied

Operating in a town where temperatures can swing between 45C highs and freezing lows, where rainfall is usually light and there is limited space among the red dirt, students found success in growing resilient crops through ongoing research and experimentation.

The unique endeavour was made possible through a grant from the Woolworths Junior Landcare Fund last year.

While initial attempts to grow vegetables from seeds mostly failed, students persevered and found success planting seedlings.

The initiative not only enriched students’ education but also yielded environmental benefits. The garden enhanced soil quality for future planting endeavours and underscored the significance of responsible water use in Roxby Downs.

“The veggie garden project helped me understand how precious water is in Roxby Downs, but that we can still use it to grow our own food,” St Barbara’s student Caleb said.

Woolworths community program manager Loretta Arrastia said the program’s core vision was to inspire students and educators to explore the wonders of nature and take an active role in caring for their local environment.

The Junior Landcare’s online learning centre offers hundreds of free activities for all ages to discover ways to get involved in sustainability activities.

Visit juniorlandcare.org.au

Originally published as Bush tucker to desert Gardens: Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants spark unforeseen paths in kids’ environmental education