9 February 2009

Southern Cross Catholic School are the proud recipients of an environmental award along with a $500 grant from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. 

The ‘Ripples of Change Award’ recognises environmental excellence and will allow Southern Cross Catholic School to embark on a campaign to make their community water wise.

Geraldine Feaver, Reef Guardian School Program Coordinator at Southern Cross, said the school was on a mission to educate the community on water conservation.

“This grant will allow us to create educational resources for our school and the wider community to encourage the responsible use of water.

“Water is a most precious resource and the water cycle affects absolutely every ecosystem on the planet, including the Great Barrier Reef.” 

Ms Megan Sperring from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s (GBRMPA) Reef Guardian Schools Program said Southern Cross Catholic School was a worthy recipient of this award.

“Southern Cross Catholic School has been a Reef Guardian School since 2005 and implemented a number of fantastic environmental initiatives since then.

“They’re already dealing with waste reduction, recycling and plastic bag elimination.

“This project will increase the sustainability of not only the school, but the whole community.” 

Leonie Maddigan, Reef Guardian Schools Project Officer for the GBRMPA, will present the award to Southern Cross Catholic School and personally thank the school for their efforts on behalf of the GBRMPA for their efforts in helping to conserve the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.

The award presentation will take place on Wednesday 11 February at 2:15pm at Gartrell Drive, Annandale.