14 Years Of Green Day and Counting!

Published 23rd September 2022. Written by Maddison O’Brien

2022 marked the 14^th year for Watershed Landcare’s annual Green Day event! After two years of lockdowns, the environmental education day evolved into much more than just one day of fun for the schools across our region.

Junior Landcare Ambassador, TV Presenter and Gardening Guru, Costa Georgiadis shined the spotlight on the theme “Grow Your Own Way”, working towards a more sustainable future, inspiring our kids, schools, educators, and the community over a jam packed three days and five events.

On Thursday, 8th September, 600 kids from 16 local schools gathered to experience an array of workshops and hear from inspiring guest speakers, plus a special session with Costa. The theme of Grow Your Own Way was explored through activities like compost building, native plant identification, gardening, reusing and growing food from scraps, the importance of habitat and biodiversity, and so much more.

Green Day Coordinator, Kennedy Porter said, “it is important for Watershed Landcare that Green Day is more than just a fun day out for our schools but an opportunity to build upon what is taught in the classroom.”

As an extension of Green Day, Watershed Landcare partnered with Junior Landcare & Costa to lead a professional development session for local educators and on Friday 9^th, we visited two local schools, Ilford Public School and Cudgegong Valley Public School. The day allowed Costa to do what he does best, bringing his energy to the school yard to recognise and participate in existing projects and create further inspiration and action.

On Saturday, 10th September, the first ever Green Day for Grown-Ups was launched with great success, with over 70 people in attendance. Green Day goers learned all about wicking garden beds, community gardens, beekeeping, native plant uses and exciting innovations in nest boxes. Costa Georgiadis finished off the day by sharing his passion for Landcare and a motivating call to create change in our environment with our everyday actions and choices.

“The three days were just a thrill. Watershed Landcare is so grateful for everyone’s contribution to all the events, from the students, teachers, schools, community members who attended, guest speakers, volunteers, community groups, businesses and sponsors involved,” Kennedy said. “Costa was the man of the moment and was a pleasure to host”.

Watershed Landcare is already excited about Green Day 2023, how the event can continue to evolve and how we can further support our schools, educators and our community of landcarers!

We sincerely thank our wonderful volunteers and sponsors; Moolarben Coal, Peabody, Local Land Services, Mid-Western Regional Council, WaterUps, Petries Mitre 10 and Bunnings.