16 February 2009

Gympie East State School are the proud recipients of an environmental award and a $500 grant to go towards a community environmental education area. 

The ‘Ripples of Change Award’ recognises environmental excellence through the Reef Guardian Schools Program, an initiative of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

For Gympie East State School this means interpretive signage for their new garden that is linked with pathways for the community to enjoy the natural area they are trying to preserve.

Mr James Watt, Gympie East School Principal, says the grant will allow the school to fulfil the creation of a mini nature reserve where children and adults can appreciate the natural environment.

“At our school we try to instil in the children the importance of conserving our natural environment.

“Being part of the Mary River Catchment area means we have a certain responsibility to look after our ecosystems.  The educational signage that will go along the path means we can share this message with our community.”

Ms Megan Sperring from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s (GBRMPA) Reef Guardian Schools Program is delighted the school is creating such an area.

“Gympie East State School has been a Reef Guardian School since 2005.

“Since then they have implemented a number of fantastic initiatives to help conserve their local environment. 

“They conserve water using water tanks, they have a recycling program and have a vegetable garden.  They’ve even recycled old tables giving them a new lease on life with new tiles made by the students.  All these small things contribute a great deal towards sustainability.”

Diane Walker, Regional Liaison Manager for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority will present the award to Gympie East State School on Tuesday 17 February at 2:00pm.