Staff Writers

Students in the Douglas Shire area are set to become the next generation of environmental champions, thanks to the generous funds provided by the Woolworths junior landcare grants program.

More than 1,100 schools and early learning centres across Australia have been selected to receive grants, enabling them to develop hands-on environmental learning projects.

Among the schools in the Douglas Shire area awarded grants of up to $1,000 are Goodstart Early Learning and Port Douglas State School. 

These grants will assist the schools in creating interactive projects focused on sustainability, inspiring students to actively participate in shaping the future of their natural environment.

In an exciting development, this year's grant program officially includes First Nations perspectives projects for the first time.

Woolworths and Landcare Australia are thrilled to award over 320 grants as part of this year's funding, specifically designed to expand students' First Nations education and deepen their connection to Country.

Store manager of Woolworths Port Douglas and Mossman Casey Dyball, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity for schools in the Douglas Shire area.

"Bringing the classroom to the great outdoors and encouraging kids to get hands-on with nature is always something we're excited to see, and we hope all of the schools across Douglas Shire will have fun working on their new projects,” Ms Dyball said.

Adam Shipp, a proud Wiradjuri man and First Nations educator for Junior Landcare, expressed his delight at the inclusion of First Nations perspectives projects.

"The knowledge from our Elders and ancestors that have come before us is extremely important to capture and keep alive. Our lands will be much healthier in doing so, and so I am delighted that a number of Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants will be funding First Nations perspectives projects this year," he said.