25 February 2009

Wulguru State School will pledge their commitment to helping the Great Barrier Reef when they become the north’s newest Reef Guardian School on Schools Clean Up Australia Day this Friday.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) in partnership with Burdekin Dry Tropics Natural Resource Management (BDTNRM) will present the official Reef Guardian Schools sign to the school before joining students in a school-wide clean up.

GBRMPA Reef Guardian Schools Project Officer Leonie Maddigan said the school had chosen to focus on waste reduction during their first year in the program.

“Schools Clean Up Australia Day is a fantastic opportunity for students to commit to reduce pollution and protect the health of the Great Barrier Reef,” she said. 

“Reducing waste around the school and home is one of the best ways to help stop litter flowing into our local waterways and to the Great Barrier Reef."

BDTNRM Community and Engagement Manager Judy Warner said it was fantastic to see students undertaking on-ground environmental activities.

“We are really looking forward to seeing what great initiatives Wulguru will come up with next,” she said.

Wulguru State School Reef Guardian Schools Program Coordinator Leann Clausen said they decided to become Reef Guardian Schools because they thought it was a fantastic opportunity to undertake a project that would develop an awareness of environmental issues.  

“What we do in our school can have a positive impact on our waterways and the Reef.  

“Some of our projects include - beginning a paper recycling program, battery recycling, litter poster competitions, identifying litter hotspots in our school grounds, keeping our school clean and, most importantly, educating students to understand the interconnectedness of the environment. 

“The students in my class have been involved in planning a lot of fun activities to help get our message across to other students and our community.”

Students are equally enthusiastic.

“Here at Wulguru State school we want to make a difference and keep our Reef great!”  students in year 4C said.

Principal Tony DiGiacomo said it was not just about keeping the school clean and tidy. 

“It’s more about how our actions can make a positive impact on the environment, such as the reef,” he said. 

Media opportunity:

When: 9am, Friday 27  February 2009
Where: Wulguru State School, Edison Street, Wulguru
Activity: Students will be presented with an official Reef Guardian Schools sign during morning parade. They will then celebrate with a school clean up to coincide with Schools Clean Up Australia Day.