YEAR 10 religious education students from St Mary’s College, Maryborough, have received a $500 helping hand for a community service project.
St Mary’s sustainability contact Sara Love said the college received a Ripples of Change grant of $500 for its work at the Fay Smith Wetlands.
Ms Love said that, as part of their religious education studies, all Year 10 students undertook weekly community service throughout one term during the year.
“Some go to the special school, some to the St Vincent de Paul Society and some to the wetlands to clean up,” she said.
“A representative form Landcare and Fraser Coast Regional Council meets with the students every week for the community service.
“The wetland project started last year which is why I put in the application to get some equipment to help us out.”
Ms Love said the money would be spent on such things as raincoats, protective gloves and gumboots for the student volunteers.
She said many students enjoyed the opportunity to do something different in their community work.
Student Nick Wadsworth said: “I have really enjoyed the opportunity to work outside and give back to our community.”
Reef Guardian School project manager Carolyn Luder presented the grant and $500 cheque to St Mary’s College students on March 15.
The Reef Guardian Schools Program encourages schools to become involved in protecting and conserving the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and its surrounds.
It extends beyond the curriculum and encourages schools to manage resources, their school grounds and surrounding areas in ways that help protect the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, while taking into account the needs of future generations.
