Alesco Students to Plant 750 Native Trees in Elermore Vale with Council Grant Support

newy.com.au – A group of students from Alesco Senior College in Elermore Vale will transform degraded bushland into a thriving educational ecosystem as part of a youth-led climate action project supported by City of Newcastle. The initiative is one of 18 local projects to receive a share of $150,000 in funding through the Youth Climate Action Grants, backed by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund.

Facilitated by the ReGen Alliance, the Living Classroom project will involve the planting of 750 native trees, turning the school’s grounds into a long-term learning site for biodiversity and environmental stewardship. Students will lead the project through weekly sessions, managing every stage from site preparation to planting and monitoring.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said the range and creativity of proposals from young people has been impressive. “These projects reflect the energy and innovation of young Novocastrians committed to creating a safe and climate-resilient future,” Ms Kikken said. “With this latest round of funding, we’re not just supporting environmental outcomes, we’re supporting education, equity and empowerment, all aligned with the goals of the Newcastle Environment Strategy.”

Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk, Deputy Chairperson of the City’s Liveable Cities Strategic Advisory Committee, said the grants are helping local youth develop and deliver meaningful solutions. “These projects show that when we support youth with the practical tools and resources to address their climate change concerns, they’re empowered to make a visible, lasting impact in their own communities,” she said.

ReGen Alliance co-founder Rebecca Giddins said the program allows students to build both skills and confidence through hands-on learning. “This program creates a safe, positive space where students can connect with nature and develop a sense of purpose,” Miss Giddins said. “This project will offer a long-term educational opportunity to observe how ecosystems grow and adapt over time.”

Among the other recipients are University of Newcastle students Luca Surman and Ryan Muir, whose Bingage recycling project encourages sustainable behaviours through gamification. “By linking everyday actions to social recognition, data insights, and reward-based challenges, we’re aiming to build lasting habits and a culture of sustainability among students,” Mr Muir said.

Other funded initiatives include Lambton High School’s Eco Bloom project, which will create a pond and garden to support native wildlife, and the Conservation Critters program at Newcastle High School, where students will lead guided nature tours and pollinator-focused events. The Hunter Innovation and Science Hub also received funding to run an electric vehicle festival and provide solar energy education to primary school students.

This marks the second round of grants issued under the initiative, with City of Newcastle now distributing $225,000 across 30 projects. The microgrants, valued between $1,500 and $7,500, were available to individuals aged 15 to 24 or to organisations working on their behalf. Funded projects align with Newcastle’s Climate Action Plan, which supports green technology, circular economy projects, natural habitat restoration and the development of zero-emissions industries.