Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car and Member for Kogarah Chris Minns today congratulated the recipients of the latest round of a $10 million grants scheme supporting students to develop innovative sustainability projects at their schools.

The Sustainable Schools Grants program is in its fourth year and offers all NSW public schools and preschools up to $15,000 for student-led initiatives that improve the environment at schools. Across the state, this round of grants totalled just under $1 million and went to 71 schools.

Grant applications were awarded based on a number of criteria, including the project’s ability to improve the sustainability of the school environment, its connection to the curriculum and the hands-on activities included in the project.

More than 600 school projects have so far been funded over the last four years, totalling more than $8.5 million.

The following grants were awarded for schools in Kogarah:

• Hurstville Public School received $15,000 for its Safe Active Travel to and from school

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“I’m pleased to announce 71 schools will receive close to a million dollars in funds under the Sustainable Schools Grants program. This will support hands-on sustainability projects for our young people."

“The grants program inspires and empowers students and school communities to develop ideas and put plans in place that will benefit the environment by helping to save energy or water, reduce waste, or improve biodiversity."

“This funding will enable schools to bring their sustainability ideas to life. Students will gain practical skills and a valuable understanding of reducing our environmental footprint."

“I am pleased this program enables students to make our NSW school environments more sustainable and I look forward to seeing the results.”

Member for Kogarah, The Hon. Chris Minns MP said:

“This funding will see schools across NSW deliver hands-on, sustainability focused projects that link to the NSW curriculum, and I’m thrilled that our local schools in Kogarah are among them.

“This is a student-led program that’s focused on improving the environment within their local school community while also providing valuable learning opportunities.”

“I know the Kogarah community joins me in looking forward to seeing these wonderful projects soon come to life at our local schools.”