Muswellbrook Shire Council is inviting local schools, early learning centres, and community organisations to apply for its 2025 Sustainable Education Grants, which has transformed lunchtimes at local schools across the Shire.
The grant, open for applications through to Monday, August 11, supports initiatives that raise awareness and educate the community about sustainability. Funding can be used for a wide range of activities, including purchasing equipment, hiring a guest speaker or consultant, or organising sustainable transport options like buses for excursions.
Applications are welcome from incorporated community groups, registered charities, childcare centres, and educational facilities located within Muswellbrook Shire.
Projects will be assessed on their potential to:
- Raise community awareness and provide strong educational outcomes;
- Positively impact the environment (e.g. waste reduction or landfill diversion); and
- Deliver lasting or ongoing benefits.
Last year’s recipients include Sandy Hollow Public School, which launched a whole school ‘Nude Food’ program. With support from the grant, every student received a reusable lunchbox to help reduce packaging waste and encourage the use of non-packaged items to be brought to school.
Sandy Hollow Public School Principal, Jane Fuiono, said a Sustainable Education Grant has energised students and staff behind the school’s sustainability goals.
“We have numerous exciting projects underway, ranging from a bush tucker garden to plans for tank water toilets.” Ms Fuiono said
“Since introducing the ‘Nude Food’ lunchboxes, we’ve seen a visible reduction in rubbish around the school. The students are engaged and take pride in sorting waste properly. I’m confident our upcoming bin audit will show a big improvement.” Ms Fuiono added.
The school kicked off the project with a bin audit, supported by Council’s Sustainability Officer, Michael Brady. The school plans to conduct follow-up audits to measure its waste reduction.
“This is a great opportunity to inspire people of all ages to think more sustainably. Whether it’s reducing waste, promoting biodiversity or saving energy, education is the key to lasting change,” Mr Brady said.
Muswellbrook Mayor Jeff Drayton praised the community for making the most of the grant.
“It’s great to see locals getting stuck into projects that make a difference, whether it’s cutting down on waste or teaching the next generation how to care for the environment, Council’s proud to back them in,” said Mayor Jeff Drayton.
To apply and learn more about Council’s Sustainable Education Grants, visit:
