Support and Funding

Council offers funding to help schools and early years participate in selected state government sustainability programs. Teaching resources are also available to sustainability educators.

Schools and early years services in Whitehorse will be contacted directly by Council in November each year with information to apply for the next round of funding.

To register your email address, email: greenercity@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

ResourceSmart

This program, facilitated by the Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies (CERES), helps schools embed sustainability across all learning areas. Schools save on utility bills, reduce resource use and greenhouse gas emissions, improve biodiversity and reduce landfill waste. Available to schools only.

For more information, visit the ResourceSmart Schools or CERES websites.

Schools Water Efficiency Program

The SWEP program enables schools to monitor their water and energy use. Schools are supplied with resources to integrate the data into the curriculum to provide real-life learning opportunities. 27 SWEP schools in Whitehorse have collectively saved more than 33 million litres of drinking water as a result of this program.

For more information, visit the Schools Water Efficiency Program website.

Victorian Pleasurable Food Education Package

This Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation program provides support and resources for schools to develop their kitchen garden program to help children form life-long healthy food habits through growing and harvesting produce to prepare nutritious food. Available to schools and early years services.

For more information, visit the Victorian Pleasurable Food Education Package website.

Teaching Resources

A number of teaching resources are available for sustainability educators.

Model House

A table-top model house designed by Melbourne Metro Waste Management Group is available for schools and early years to borrow for free. It has a range of features that can be added to improve energy, waste and water efficiency and is great for exploring how design and personal behaviour can impact the environment.

Curriculum Resources and activities suitable for Foundation to Year 8 are included. The kit comes in 2 large plastic tubs and can be delivered to your school. It will need to be returned to the Whitehorse Civic Centre in Nunawading. For more information or to make a booking, contact greenercity@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Picture of model sustainable house teaching resource

Recycling Education Resources

Schools can access up to 5 x 240 litre recycling bins for kerbside collection each fortnight. Please note that they need to be placed at the kerbside the night prior to nominated collection dates. For more information contact: greenercity@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Visit Council's recycling education resources webpage for a recycle right pack, activity booklet, posters, flyers and videos you can use to help your students learn how to recycle right.

Eastern Alliance for Sustainable Learning

Council is a member of the Eastern Alliance for Sustainable Learning (EASL) which offers Council-funded professional development, networking and other educational sessions to sustainability educators and anyone with an interest in sustainability education within the Alliance region - Whitehorse, Knox, Manningham, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges municipalities.

Keep updated on EASL’s latest sustainability learning opportunities by subscribing to the EASL newsletter at the EASL website.

Green Graffiti Grant

Students at Parkmore Primary School in Forest Hill have received Council grant to put into practice their vision for a school food garden.

This project, called Green Graffiti, teaches students that even small spaces can be used to produce food and that everyone's actions can impact the environment.

Students were involved in building the pallets, as well as planting, nurturing, harvesting and preparing the produce.

The pallet gardens are on castors so they can be moved around to make the most of the changing weather conditions.

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Teaching Resources

Green Graffiti Grant