Bonshaw Public School has set out to re-ignite the passion for gardening among students whose spirits have been dampened by the drought.
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The tiny school has been selected out of more than 1000 applicants to receive a Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant to run a bush tucker program in their garden.
The program, funded by sales of Woolworths' reusable canvas 'bags for good', aims to inspire students with hand-on projects focusing on sustainable food production, improving waste management and enhancing native habitats.
"We're so proud and excited to see the funds raised from our 'Bag for good' going directly into our local community," Woolworths Inverell store manager Kim Fenton said in a release.
"We are inspired by the students at Bonshaw Public School who are playing an active role in ensuring a greener future for our community and can't wait to see their project come to life."
The P&C president Bernadette Walker was thrilled to receive the funds from Woolworths Inverell family champion and inventory team leader Belinda Savill last Wednesday, March 20. Ms Savill also brought along a box full of fruit for the students to enjoy.
The school will use the funds to rejuvenate their existing garden with 'bush tucker' and other edible plants which the children will cook with in the new school kitchen. Native plants such as finger limes, lemon myrtle and davidson plum will complement other edible herbs.
The garden is looked after by the children and a part time gardener, and already has established fruit trees, a chicken coop and existing plots ready for planting. The program aims to strengthen the students' connection between food and learning.
"Junior Landcare offers opportunities for sharing knowledge, developing skills and creating experiences that foster connections with the environment and community from childhood to adulthood," Landcare Australia chief executive officer Dr Shane Norrish said.
"The project by Bonshaw Public School is highly deserving and we look forward to the students getting hands-on experience and making a difference to their local environment."