Bond University student Larissa Rose has been nominated as a finalist in the Banksia National Environmental Awards – considered Australia’s most prestigious environmental awards - for her work on the unique Green Lane Dairy environmental education program.
Ms Rose was part of a team who developed the program, which encourages primary school students from years three to eight to learn about environmental challenges and solutions, and inspires them to take practical actions at home, at school and in their communities.
Ms Rose, a Graduate Certificate in Carbon Management alumna and current Master of Environmental Management student, said she is thrilled with the program’s success, in particular the growth in participation.
“Student participation has grown from 12,353 in 2010 to 41,418 students in 2012,” she explained.
“Since 2010 we have seen national participation from 512 schools, 11 parks, 38 home schools and home groups, 62 environmental centres and a range of education groups, training centres and not-for-profit,” she said.
Ms Rose explained one of her lecturers, Professor of Environmental Management Tor Hundloe, encouraged her to become involved in this unique project for her internship.
“Recognised as an Australian pioneer of environmental economics, Professor Tor Hundloe is passionate about educating people about what’s happening in their community and helping people find answers to the environmental challenges we all face today,” said Ms Rose.
“I recognised this internship as a valuable ‘grass-roots’ opportunity to become involved in and contribute to helping educate our young people through action-learning,” she said.
Professor Hundloe commended Ms Rose on her achievement citing the program’s ‘Action Tracker’ which has tracked 9,388 student environmental actions.
“I congratulate Ms Rose on her achievement and mostly her dedication to her environmental studies; the Banksia Awards are regarded as the most prestigious environmental awards in Australia,” said Professor Hundloe.
“Ms Rose is very passionate about the environmental sustainability of communities and has networked extensively throughout Australia and overseas to help her with her studies,” he said.
The 24th Banksia Awards will be held in Melbourne at the Convention Centre on Friday 26 October, 2012.