The annual Founders Day celebrations at Nagle College in Bairnsdale last week was jam-packed with activities to excite and inspire students.
It was also an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the students and staff’ s contribution in caring for the environment by the banks of the Mitchell River, and taking time to connect with nature.
More than 700 students and their teachers headed down to plant trees along the six-acre site adjoining the Mitchell River as part of the ongoing Nagle Rainforest Project. In it’ s sixth year, the project supports the Nagle College Landcare Groups efforts to restore the rainforest area.
Science teacher, Andrea Savage, sees Founders Day as one of the significant ways Nagle College contributes to river health and the biodiversity of the area.
“Our students may not visit this area regularly but today is a really tangible way that each and every one of them can contribute to the stewardship of our beautiful environment,” Andrea said.
“The Water Plan for Victoria recognises that our communities are connected to the environment that they live and work in,” Graeme Dear, chief executive officer of East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, said.
“It’ s great to see our young people are playing a role in maintaining the health of our waterways.”
The project is currently funded through a Regional Riparian Action Plan Com- munity Grant administered by EGCMA.
PICTURED: KB Seneke and Rachel Hathaway, year 12 students at Nagle College, helped plant more than 700 trees along the banks of the Mitchell River. (PS)