Partnered with Singleton Council and the Rotary Club of Singleton on Hunter, Milbrodale Public School received funding as a part of the Office of Environment and Heritage ‘Our Place’ scheme.

On Monday June 19, the students, teachers and program partners celebrated the completion of ‘Rural Schools – Keeping Cool’, reflecting on what they had learnt and achieved over the past six months.

The aim of the program was to help students become more aware of their environment, with a particular focus on developing their own action plan to reduce their carbon footprint and adapt to any possible climate changes.

Collaborating with organisations such as the Red Cross and rural fire services, the students were able to learn about serious issues in a fun and educational manner. 

Singleton Council’s Sustainable Environment Coordinator, Melinda Hale said Milbrodale Public School was selected for the program due to its unique location and characteristics.

“Milbrodale Public School is situated on the edge of a national park, which means it is at a higher risk should there be a bush fire,” Melinda said.

“As well as this, the school’s values of respect, responsibility and resilience aligned well with the program’s main objectives.

“Our program is about making sure the students have respect for their environment, take responsibility in reducing their footprint and have resilience in situations such as a bush fire.”​

 At the celebratory presentation it was clear the students had not only taken in what the program had taught them, but that they had fun along the way as they were eager to discuss what they had enjoyed most about the project.​

Despite the programs completion, the students are looking forward to keeping up their sustainable practices and are eager to continue working with program partners in the future.