Youth Environmental Forum

In August 2011 the first joint Council's Youth Environmental Forum - LESS (Leaders in Environmentally Sustainable Schools) - was held at the Briars in Mt Martha. A partnership between Frankston City Council and Mornington Peninsula Shire, the free event was attended by 50 secondary students from 8 schools across both municipalities. It focused on developing leadership skills for environmental teams from Year 7 to 11. Students passionate about environmental sustainability from Elisabeth Murdoch College, Frankston High School, John Paul College and McClelland College shared ideas with their counterparts from Mornington Peninsula secondary schools.

The student action teams had a chance to learn how to tackle the issues of importance to their own schools and to be inspired and energised in the process. By the end of the day they had completed detailed action plans, learned about how other schools have done similar environmental projects and made valuable contacts with students across the region.

Deputy Mayor Sandra Mayer and Mornington Peninsula's Cr Reade Smith jointly opened the conference and addressed the students at the beginning of the day.

A facilitator from CERES Community Environment Park ran the day's activities and guided the students through the challenges of leading others to bring in real, practical changes in their schools. They not only learned a great deal but had a very enjoyable and positive experience along the way.

Quote from teacher at Elisabeth Murdoch College: "It was an extremely rewarding activity delivered in a very vibrant and passionate manner. Students were able to come up with actions......... that would have a positive environmental effect on the future of the school".

It is hoped that this exciting and innovative conference will become an annual event. For more details contact Environmental Education and Volunteer Support Officer Debbie Coffey debbie.coffey@frankston.vic.gov.au or 97841768.