Wednesday, 8 February 2023: The latest round of the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program has officially opened, offering primary schools and early learning centres across Australia the chance to share in $1 million to help grow the next generation of environmental champions. 

Woolworths and Landcare Australia are calling on all Aussie primary schools and early learning centres to apply for a grant of up to $1,000 to help them develop projects focused on sustainability and inspiring students to play an active role in the future of their natural environment. This could include growing veggie or bush tucker gardens, creating compost for school gardening beds, setting up nestboxes or creating habitats to protect native wildlife.

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 nature. 

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. 

New activities are available online at Junior Landcare’s Learning Centre, ranging from exploring First Nations weather knowledge to creating an Indigenous plant use garden and exploring a First Nations peoples’ languages map. 

Woolworths Group Chief Marketing Officer, Andrew Hicks, said: “The Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program is all about supporting fun and engaging learning experiences that can help younger generations connect with natural environments. 

“Over the years, we’ve seen lots of creativity from schools and early learning centres looking to  explore sustainability in action, and we can’t wait to see more of these ideas brought to life through this year’s program.

“We’re also excited about the new learning activities designed to help bring First Nations perspectives into the home and classroom. These activities are a great resource that highlight the invaluable perspectives and experiences of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community on the journey to creating more sustainable experiences for a better tomorrow.”

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 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 perspectives resources on the Junior Landcare Learning Centre, we are thrilled to be able to support children and educators in building their knowledge of Traditional Land Management and Cultural Heritage when it comes to caring for our land and water.”

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 junior landcare.org.au. 

A guide of Top 10 Woolworths Junior Landcare Project Ideas is available here, with ideas to help bring environmental education and First Nations perspectives into your school or early learning centre.

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