Schools invited to help grow the next generation of environmental champions with Woolworths and Landcare Australia

Woolworths and Landcare Australia are on the lookout for primary schools and early learning centres across Lithgow with ideas to help connect young generations with nature and inspire them to play an active role in ensuring the safe future of their environment.

The latest round of the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program is now open, offering primary schools and early learning centres the chance to share in $1 million to support the development of hands-on environmental learning projects.

Grants of up to $1,000 are on offer for projects focussed on sustainable food production, improving waste management practices, enhancing native habitats and deepening First Nations perspectives. This could include planting native herbs and plants like Merindah Children’s Centre in New South Wales has done, helping children learn more about different species of plants, and their connection to the land and its people.

Woolworths Lithgow Store Manager, Hugh Stewart, said: “Getting children involved with hands-on activities in and around nature is an incredible way to help them explore sustainability in action.

“Over the years, we’ve seen some great ideas from schools and early learning centres across New South Wales that were brought to life through our Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program, encouraging kids to explore, appreciate and care for the environment around them. No idea is too small, and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead for this next round of applications.”

Through its Junior Landcare program, Landcare Australia has also worked closely with First Nations educator and Wiradjuri man Adam Shipp to develop environmental learning activities for educators and children to learn more about how they can have a connection to Country.

The activities range from exploring First Nations weather to creating an Indigenous plant-use garden and exploring a First Nations peoples’ languages map.

Adam Shipp, First Nations educator with Landcare Australia, said: “As a proud Wiradjuri man, I believe it is extremely important that environmental based organisations recognise and work with First Nations groups.

“By teaching younger generations about traditional ways of caring for Country, we can deepen knowledge of and respect for First Nations culture and practices. I look forward to seeing how Lithgow students and teachers use the new Junior Landcare resources.”

Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish, said: “Junior Landcare has always recognised the vital role children play in taking care of the natural environment and, thanks to the 2023 Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program, we look forward to seeing even more children have the opportunity to take on this role.

"Moreover, as we continue to grow the number of First Nations perspective resources on the Junior Landcare Learning Centre, we are thrilled to be able to support Lithgow children and educators in building their knowledge of Traditional Land

Bathurst Celebrates Local

In the first business focus for 2023, we get to learn more about BooksPlus Bathurst and long-time owner Kathryn Bancroft.

When did BooksPlus begin and what was the reason behind its inception?

In March 2023 I will have been part of BooksPlus for 35 years. I can date it clearly because it was the week my daughter was born. A very busy time!

What has been the biggest win over the last few years?

The unwavering support of the Bathurst community. It helped us survive as an independently owned bookshop, not just during recent COVID years but through all the ups and downs of the last 35 years.

What has been the biggest challenge over the last few years?

Our biggest challenge is being tackled right now, that is to bring BooksPlus into the 21st century. The hardest part for me was knowing where to start and finding someone to drive the changes. Now that we’ve started, I’m excited about all the ways we can do more for our customers.

What was the best business advise you’ve ever been given?

Be passionate about anything you take on. It will become your life, so you may as well enjoy doing it. If you enjoy doing it, it will show.

What’s your favourite thing about Bathurst?

I came to work in Bathurst, planning to stay 2 or 3 years. 46 years on I am still here and that says it all.

Final thoughts…

BooksPlus is a long-time partner of the brilliant Bathurst Writer’s & Reader’s Festival which takes place in May each year. As well, we are great supporters of the Bathurst council’s Buy Local gift card scheme, both selling and redeeming cards.

I believe the strength of BooksPlus has is really the strength of our team of booksellers and the relationships they forge with our customers. The object of any changes we are making now is to ensure BooksPlus continues to be an integral part of this community while I work my way into a lovely retirement – in Bathurst.

To get in touch with Kathryn and her awesome team at BooksPlus Bathurst, please phone 6331 5994 or pop in to the store at 157 Howick Street!

Management and Cultural Heritage when it comes to caring for our land and water.”

Since launching the program in 2018, the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program, in partnership with Landcare Australia, has supported over 3,814 school groups with more than $4 million in funding to help kids all across the country get hands-on with caring for the natural environment.

Applications for the 2023 Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants are open now and close 17 March 2023. To find out more about the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants Program and to apply, visit juniorlandcare.org.au.

A Bathurst Regional Council / Bathurst Business Hub initiative

In partnership with Central West Village Voice, we want to celebrate the stories and successes of our local Bathurst Region businesses. From our local retailers and foodies through to our industrial and construction firms, we are looking to celebrate the wide variety of businesses that make up our strong, diverse economy.