Creating the next generation of environmental heroes
- comms514
- May 7
- 4 min read
Updated: May 12
A free environmental education program for schools and learning centres across Queensland, is giving young people the tools they need to make their schools and communities more sustainable.
EcoMarines Foundation has been sparking a wave of environmental stewardship, empowering the youngest generation - school kids – to be the eco-leaders of tomorrow.
In the Townsville region, over 20 schools are flying the green flag. From sowing pollinator gardens to launching Containers for Change, and transforming schoolyard rubbish into art, these activities are giving students a sense of ownership and pride in protecting their local environment.
And when the environment thrives, so do our waterways.
Connecting students with real-world conservation action
Leonie De Lai, a teacher at Townsville Grammar School North Shore and previous zoologist, believes that in conservation, education is key for lasting change.
“The EcoMarines program has provided us with a range of valuable resources and put us in contact with external specialists who have supported our teaching in the classroom, exposing our students to real world environmental issues with locally relevant content,” she said.
Leonie has championed these connections, replicating an EcoMarines event across Townsville Grammar campuses.
The Healthy Waters Partnership and organisational Partners introduced students to environmental challenges in the Townsville Dry Tropics region and helped them create action plans to improve the health of our rivers, creeks and coasts.
“The most important message for our students is that every little bit helps,” continues Leonie. “You don’t have to make huge changes or spend a lot of time and money to make a positive impact on the environment. With education, enthusiasm and a bit of commitment we can all make a difference.”
But students don’t just learn about the environment with EcoMarines – they’re given the tools to lead their own ecofriendly efforts.
Students leading the way
From teachers to students, the EcoMarines program ignites passion for change at every level.
Take Ellianah who was a grade 4 student at Townsville Grammar last year. She stepped up to become an EcoMarines Ambassador to help the environment and learn to become a good leader.
“We talked about the dangers of litter in our waterways and started Containers for Change at school, to reduce the amount of plastic we send to landfill,” said Ellianah.
“The other ambassadors and I talked on assembly to help teach the younger students which bin to use. Even if it is in a small way, we can help protect the environment,” she said.
Leadership extends beyond the classroom and the school, to the home too.
“Since being an EcoMarines Ambassador, my family tries to use less plastic. We put our lunches and leftovers into reusable containers now.”
Ellianah and her fellow ambassadors have passed the baton to the next round of student eco-leaders, who will continue conservation actions at school and beyond.
Every year, a new wave of action
Each school year, EcoMarines empowers a new group of passionate student ambassadors, keeping momentum strong and ensuring lasting change within schools and communities.
Angela Massy, CEO of EcoMarines Foundation, says the number of participants continues to grow.
“We’re thrilled that over 350 schools and education providers in Queensland are now part of the EcoMarines family. We offer a lot of support, resources and connections to help teachers engage their students and wider community, all at no cost to the school.
“By planting the seeds of stewardship today, EcoMarines Foundation is helping students grow into environmental leaders who will preserve our marine and land ecosystems for years to come,” adds Angela.
Making waves, together
Locally, through education and events, EcoMarines Foundation is building a network of passionate, up-and-coming eco-leaders in the Dry Tropics catchment.
Executive Officer for the Healthy Waters Partnership, Kara-Mae Coulter-Atkins said that improving the health of our waterways is a responsibility that belongs to us all.
“We’re confident that the health of our rivers, creeks and Reef is in good hands, with EcoMarines’ growing network of young, action-orientated ambassadors driving meaningful change in their schools across the Townsville Dry Tropics.”
Interested in joining the EcoMarines network? Contact Lucinda Sheehan, Program Coordinator - school_programs@ecomarines.org
Introduce the Townsville Dry Tropics Waterways Report Card in your classroom, with this lesson plan. Students will identify areas to improve the health of local waterways, develop action plans, and understand how everything that happens in the catchment can affect our precious rivers, creeks, coasts and Reef.
