A Green Day Surprise!

Published 22nd September 2023. Written by Maddison O’Brien

Green Day 2023 marked a resounding success, celebrating its 15th year with a bang. Organised by Watershed Landcare, this annual event, tailored for students in Grades 4 – 6, revolved around the theme ‘Water, Our Most Precious Resource,’ offering an array of enlightening workshops. Over 600 students from 17 schools participated, making it a day of fun, learning, and inspiration.

The workshops, although centred on water, covered a spectrum of environmental topics, instilling the significance of preserving our environment, soils, and biodiversity in our future leaders. The enthusiasm was electric as students from various schools united with a shared mission for a sustainable future.

Tanya Ha, an award-winning science journalist and author, delivered a captivating talk focused on energy conservation and water stewardship. She was just one of 19 diverse speakers who engaged with the students. Highlights included discussions on landfills and water runoff by the MWRC, a microscopic exploration of soils by ‘The Regenerative’ Josh Frapelle, insights into forest systems and the water cycle by Billie from Dry Creek Farm, and Rowena from Petrie Seeds offering sensory insights into seed germination. Red Hill Environmental Education Centre led a session on identifying our own water use footprint adding to the interactive learning experience, leaving the students with fresh insights to take home.

Local elder Uncle Peter Swain led a thought-provoking workshop revolving around the tale of Tiddalick the Frog, emphasizing responsibility, interconnectedness, and the importance of looking after each other. Cliodhna Maguire, the First Nations Youth Community Greening Officer from Sydney Botanical Gardens, delivered an engaging talk on custodianship and native plants, igniting a passion for the environment.

In an unexpected and delightful surprise, Costa Georgiadis, who had been the keynote speaker last year, graced Green Day 2023 with his presence once again. His commitment to the event and its mission was evident as he shared, “Water embeds itself in every aspect of sustainability, regeneration, and caring for Country… that connection is a really big one for the students to understand, and it’s everyone’s business. On days like today, it’s a chance for the schools to come in and see those connections, and that’s what Landcare’s about, connecting people to the land where they are.”

Green Day 2023’s success owes gratitude to coordinator Marie Hensley, volunteers, and all the unique and passionate guest speakers. Thanks to our generous sponsors; MWRC, Moolarben Coal, Peabody Energy who put on a tasty BBQ for the kids, ACEN Australia, RES Group, Vena Energy Australia & Wollar Solar. A heartfelt thank you and congratulations are due to the enthusiastic students and teachers who year after year inspire us with their eagerness to change the world! See you next year for another exciting Green Day adventure!