Advocacy

Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program helps early learners grow

Freya Lucas

Dec 03, 2019

Save

More than 100,000 children around Australia, including those attending early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings, are set to benefit from “hands on” environmental interaction this month, as funding for specific projects flows through thanks to the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant benefits.

Grants of up to $1,000 for Australian primary schools and early learning centres have been made available, with the intention of helping to fund hands-on projects focusing on sustainable food production, improving waste management practices and enhancing native habitats.

In this funding round, over 600 educational settings will benefit from the grants, the second allocated in 2019.

Speaking about the value of the grants, Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish said “Getting involved with environmental projects at this early stage in their development will help equip children with the ability, knowledge and resources to take meaningful action to protect our shared local and national biodiversity as they grow up.”

Young Australians are increasingly aware of the environment they are living in “which is why it is no surprise that the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program are proving to be very popular,” Woolworths Supermarkets Managing Director Claire Peters said.

Ms Peters explained that the funding is part of a broader commitment by Woolworths “to build the next generation of environmental champions by providing hands-on learning experiences to help make our future greener.”

An interactive map tracks the journey of over 1,155 Woolworths Junior Landcare projects that are happening across the country, which are funded through the sale of the “Bag for good” campaign in Woolworths grocery stores around the country.

More information about Landcare can be found here.

Don’t miss a thing

Male educators in early childhood: renewed debate highlights deeper workforce questions

A recent article published by Education Daily has reignited national discussion about the need for more male teachers across Australia. While much of the public commentary focuses on primary and secondary schooling, the gender imbalance is even more pronounced in early childhood education and care (ECEC).

Inclusion under the National Quality Framework: what it means for services

Inclusion is not an optional add-on in early childhood education and care (ECEC). It is embedded within the National Quality Framework (NQF) and underpins expectations about access, participation and equitable outcomes for all children.

Observations in the EYLF: why quality matters more than quantity

Questions about observations and documentation continue to surface across the early childhood education and care sector, particularly as educators navigate increasing workload pressures alongside expectations around planning, assessment and compliance.

Peppa Pig introduces deaf character in storyline focused on inclusion

The long-running children’s television series Peppa Pig has introduced a new storyline featuring a moderately deaf character, marking a notable moment in the program’s approach to representation and inclusion.

My hands, In plain sight

This article touches on child safety and abuse-related concerns in early childhood education and care. If these topics are difficult for you, please take care while reading and seek support if needed, contacts at the end.