MEDIA RELEASE Embargo until: 21 February 2011 Big things grow from natural resource management small grants The Cradle Coast NRM Schools Small Grants Program was launched today enabling schools in the region to undertake environmental projects up to the value of $1,500 each. Schools and educational institutions including school farms can use the grants for native tree planting, equipment purchase, water conservation projects, biodiversity gardens, cultural heritage excursions and a range of activities that grow student understanding and involvement in caring for the region’s natural resources. Three grant categories are available under the program; schools, cultural heritage and school farms. Schools and educational institutions can apply for funds under any or all of the grant categories. Up to $41,000 will be administered to the region’s schools by Cradle Coast NRM as part of the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country initiative. This is the first time that Cradle Coast NRM has developed a small grants program exclusively for schools. Grants programs are also offered by Cradle Coast NRM to the region’s landholders and volunteer community groups such as Landcare, Coastcare and ‘Friends of’ teams. Program Facilitator, Karina Rose, said that the Schools Small Grants Program was an excellent opportunity for students to express their interest in their local environment with a ‘hands-on’ learning project. “Each year we’ve held Coastcare Week Schools Poster Competitions and student tree planting excursions and these activities highlighted to us the kids’ enthusiasm and appreciation for our natural environment,” Mrs Rose said. “We wanted to create a program that would allow more children to be involved in environmental projects in more places throughout the region; the Schools Small Grants Program is the result.” All schools operating in the Cradle Coast region are eligible to apply for the grants, with applications opening on 21 February and closing on 15 March 2011. Schools Small Grants Program application forms and guidelines are available from the Cradle Coast NRM website at www.cradlecoastnrm.com (from 21 February). Enquiries are welcome by calling Cradle Coast NRM Facilitator, Karina Rose, on 6431 6285. End… Cradle Coast NRM works with community, industry, private enterprise and government to manage and improve our natural resources to ensure a healthy future for our region. This project is supported by Cradle Coast NRM through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country. Cradle Coast NRM is a committee of the Cradle Coast Authority. Media Contacts: Karina Rose – Facilitator Cradle Coast NRM Ph: 0409 240 864
Amanda Wilson – Communication Manager Cradle Coast Authority Ph: 6431 6285