Holloways Beach Environmental Education Centre and Redlynch State College have scooped environmental accolades for protecting their local environment and the Great Barrier Reef.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) will present the award winners with $1000 each, as part of the annual Reef Guardian Schools Awards.

Holloways Beach Environmental Education Centre earned the Reef Guardians Champions Award for mentoring other students and teachers in the region on how they can protect the Great Barrier Reef.
 
Redlynch State College will receive the Sea Stars Award for helping improve the health of water running into the Great Barrier Reef through their student-led work on reducing litter and cleaning up storm drains that flow into the local catchment area.

GBRMPA Reef Guardian Director Karen Vohland said Reef Guardian School students were the future custodians of the Great Barrier Reef.

“These awards acknowledge their efforts caring for their local environment and promoting real change in their communities,” she said.

“It’s about empowering students and giving them a sense of involvement in the bigger environmental picture, encouraging them to make a positive difference.”

Holloways Beach Environmental Education Centre Principal Louise Carver said it was a great honour to be recognised for the Reef Guardian Champions Award.

“Holloways Beach Environmental Education Centre aims to help local schools reduce their ecological footprint and to educate students in environmental sustainability,” she said.

“We are pleased to receive this award on behalf of all the students and teachers that we work with.”

Redlynch State College teacher Irna Rusch said the students were very excited to receive their Sea Stars Award.

“The students at Redlynch are passionate about protecting the Great Barrier Reef. Their activities around the school to reduce pollution, clean up stormwater drains and clean up litter have been remarkable,” she said.

“Their passion for raising awareness both within the school and in our local area about environmental issues is outstanding.”

Other Annual Awards winners include Cleveland District State High School, Kalkie State School, Kidz at the Beach (Bowen), The Hall State School, North Rockhampton State High School, Hervey Bay State High School, Beaconsfield State School and Belgian Gardens State School.

More than 285 schools and over 113,000 students take part in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Reef Guardian Schools program across Queensland.

Each school undertakes a variety of activities aimed at improving the Reef’s health and resilience.