The Bellarine Catchment Network was formed in 1997. It brings together more than 30 community and government groups who are committed to protecting and improving the natural environment of the Bellarine Peninsula. One of the network’s prominent roles is to educate and involve the community in environmental issues and actions. It runs a program of outdoor education activities for more than 30 schools across the Bellarine and in Geelong.

Naomi Wells, Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator at the Network said that ‘most of the primary school children in our schools are interested in their natural environment and want to make a positive difference’. ‘They are likely to be most affected by the impacts of climate change. Our education program helps them think about becoming a steward of their local environment’.

When the Covid shutdown forced the closure of the face-to-face activities, the network needed to find a new way to continue to educate this year’s students. Online sessions via Zoom would not work due to some schools having strict guidelines, but online resources were acceptable.

The team got to work and quickly developed a set of free remote learning resources, targeted at grades 4-6. The six modules include Climate Change, Biodiversity, Wetlands, Litter and Water, Waste and Feral Animals.

Each module is simple to follow, allowing students to learn about the topic and encourage activities that get them outside, learning in their backyard. The climate change module explains the issue and shows them how they can make a positive difference with easy and empowering actions.

Launched in June 2020, the learning modules have been a great success. Most schools in the region have taken up the resources and are being shared with schools in other regions and even other countries. The network is now planning to launch ‘Bellarine Intrepid Coastcare’ a new program for high school students and young adults that aims to empower youth to protect and improve the coast and aquatic environments.

Call to Action

Naomi’s call to action is in the power of education to change the way we talk about and respond to climate change. ‘All of us, not just students, should be stewards of our natural environment. We need to be able to talk about climate change as a normal conversation, understanding the risks and importantly, what we can do to make a positive difference.