Kids in Action conference targets environment

Around 300 local youngsters from 25 local schools came together today for the third annual Kids in Action Conference, hosted by Sunshine Coast Council through the Environment Levy.
The Kids in Action conference is part of the national Target Kids Teaching Kids Week and provides the opportunity for school children in year’s 5 – 9 to stand up and become the teachers.
Over two days, kids will share their environmental knowledge with each other across a range of subjects using workshops, presentations and displays. Topics range from turtles and the reef to toxins and waste.
Environment Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said the conference is another example of council supporting the environment through community partnerships.
“Our environment here on the Sunshine Coast is unique and as a community we need to work together to make sure it is protected and maintained for current and future generations,” she said.
“The Kids in Action Conference aims to inspire the Sunshine Coast’s future environment leaders by growing a culture that values caring for our precious natural assets.
“It provides a wonderful opportunity for youngsters to develop skills and confidence to do something for our local environmental issues and creates links between young people and their community.”
The Kids in Action Conference is sponsored by the national Target Kids Teaching Kids Week and Unitywater.
Kids Teaching Kids Week event founder Aaron Wood said it was exciting to see the growth of the Kids in Action event.
“Sunshine Coast Council, schools, teachers and students run such a great event that really showcases environmental issues that are important to coastal communities,” Mr Wood said.
“Local communities from all parts of the country will try and emulate the ongoing success that this Sunshine Coast Council event has delivered since 2012.”
Unitywater CEO George Theo said the Kids in Action program continued to spark positive change on the Sunshine Coast.
“Since Unitywater became involved with this event we’ve had kids planting seedlings at our wetlands, learning about the sewage treatment process and doing water testing of streams,” he said.
“Unitywater has a commitment to the community and the environment, and we recognise the value in engaging and inspiring the next generation of environmental custodians.
We need to nurture their curiosity and enthusiasm through events like Kids in Action, so they can understand their role in sustaining our region’s natural heritage.”
Participating schools
Ananda Marga River School, Beerburrum State School, Beerwah State School, Blackall Range Independent School, Burnside High School, Caloundra State High School, Chancellor State College, Chevallum State School, Conondale State School, Cooroy State School, Kawana Waters State College, Kin Kin State School, Mount Mee State School, Nambour State High School, North Lakes State College, Pacific Paradise State School, Peregian Springs State School, Pomona State School, St Eugene College, Sunshine Beach State School, Sunshine Coast Christian Homeschool Group, Sunshine Coast Home Educators Group, Talara State College and Woombye State School.