EASL’s Learning for Sustainability Conference was held on March 1st at The Round in Nunawading. This annual event gives educators the valuable opportunity to connect and celebrate sustainability with like-minded peers.
Proud Wurundjeri Man, Uncle Tony Garvey, opened the conference with a Welcome to Country. Our keynote speaker, Zena Cumpston, then gave a heartfelt and inspiring presentation about the importance of connecting to Country, acknowledging the profound knowledge within First Nations communities, and learning from their ongoing sustainable practices when caring for the planet.
The workshop sessions that followed offered delegates the chance to expand their skill sets, and access resources to promote action for sustainability in their local environment. There was a workshop for everyone, ranging from chooks and composting, building green teams and empowering students, the role of arts and culture in promoting student voice, the impacts of car idling, incorporating sustainability into early years, innovation and inspiration from nature, and embedding Indigenous perspectives in the curriculum.
The lunch break provided an opportunity for networking and discovering the amazing resources provided by our diverse range of sustainability exhibitors. Many conversations were had over lunch between delegates sharing their learnings and creating new connections with stall holders. In the afternoon, the delegates gathered again in the Studio, for a presentation and workshop by Mandy Nicholson and the Djirri Djirri dance group. This fabulous presentation re-emphasised the themes from Zena’s morning keynote session whilst encouraging the use of the local Woiwurrung language.
This year’s Learning for Sustainability Conference demonstrated the importance of learning about sustainability and respecting the culture and knowledge of the Indigenous people who have been caring for Country for over 60,000 years.
This event was sponsored by Visy in conjunction with Cool.org.
Head to our YouTube channel to enjoy the highlights of the event.