January 2014 Issue 15
Update from the CoastEd team! We welcome a new year with much excitement to share. Towards the end of 2013 we developed conversations with some of our long-term CoastEd supporters and Griffith University to identify ways to maximise coastal education experiences. To our delight, Griffith Sciences granted us an additional $10,000 to support our outreach capacity to link Griffith University more directly with schools. This was welcoming news, especially for our Brisbane and regional-based schools and means the beginning of 2014 will be extra busy preparing new program opportunities. In the second half of last year we also received great news that we were nationally recognised for our contribution to youth engagement to inspire individuals to care for Gold Coast’s beaches. This supported the successful award of Currumbin Beach winning the Australia’s Cleanest Beach competition. Many thanks to those who have been involved in school and community education and outreach at Currumbin Beach! As we prepare for another year on Gold Coast beaches, please don’t forget there are limited spaces to secure a free CoastEd session. See the expression of interest form on the back of the newsletter and email it to the CoastEd Coordinator. And remember, if you have any questions about coastal management on the Gold Coast or the CoastEd program, please don’t hesitate to contact the team. Thanks again and see you at the beach!
QLD Marine Teachers Association conference For the second year running, we were invited to provide a guest presentation about CoastEd and the various opportunities and resources we offer to enhance coastal education experiences. With Bob Moffatt, a marine teacher legend, in attendance, the energy at the conference was on a high. It was extremely inspiring and interesting to hear about the progressive steps forward in marine science education and the benefits students will gain from Bob’s life-long dedication to marine teaching. On that note, we suggest you to take a moment to visit Bob’s website Wet Paper to access the new Electronic Flip Books! For more information about the Association please contact them directly - marineteachers.org.
Beach Bits column We have recently launched a new column in The Gold Coast Sun called Beach Bits. Naomi Edwards, our Coordinator is writing short snippets of coastal information. The idea came to light to widen our outreach about coastal processes and management on the Gold Coast. And to ultimately help to inform the community that although coastal management is a challenging field, the community can rest assure the beaches are and will continue to be managed by the City of Gold Coast at an internationally recognised standard.
Look out for the column & send us your feedback or a question!
Resources
We have streamlined our resource webpage for your convenience. Please visit our website to access free resources and download an order form to purchase other publications. griffith.edu.au/coastal-management
The best volunteering job on the Gold Coast! Almost every weekend, the BeachCare team with community volunteers are on a different Gold Coast beach caring for the dunes and beaches. By planting native dune species, removing weeds and collecting beach litter, from Froggies Beach in the south to Paradise Point in the north, there is something for everyone to enjoy and help out. We believe BeachCare is the best volunteering job on the Gold Coast! As being at the beach and teaming up with like-minded people is a great way to give back to the community and the coast. In more recent years the energy has become more youthful, with school and tertiary students lending a helping hand. In return, they are awarded a certificate of appreciation. Volunteering is great way to learn new skills and experience different environments and community elements. To find out more about BeachCare, please contact us today!
Contact CoastEd to find out more information:
Example of the Electronic Flip Book
p: 07 555 288 23 m: 0414 762 374 e: n.edwards@griffith.edu.au or gccm@griffith.edu.au f: facebook.com/beachcare.coasted w: griffith.edu.au/coastal-management