MINISTER TURNS ROCKIN’ FROGS AND TADPOLES INTO YOUNG LEGENDS

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford today presented Keep Australia Beautiful Qld Awards to four green and healthy schools from regional Queensland.

Mr Welford announced the winners and runners-up in the Minister for Education Young Legends Award and Queensland’s Greenest and Healthiest School 2007.

Students from Wondai State School took out the Minister for Education Young Legends trophy for waterwise initiatives and rubbish collection carried out by student groups known as the Rockin’ Frogs and Tadpoles.

“The Tadpoles follow in the footsteps of their mentoring Frogs and can be seen every day, buckets in hand, and hands in glove, cleaning up the school yards and surrounds,” Mr Welford said.

“If the enthusiasm and accomplishments of these young people is a strong indication of statewide attitudes, then the future of our environment is in safe hands.”

The Minister for Education Young Legends Award is one of 11 categories at the annual Keep Australia Beautiful QLD, Green and Healthy Schools (Qld) Awards.

It recognises outstanding accomplishment in student-driven projects that address issues relating to the environment, conservation, safety, culture and health. Runner-up was Belgian Gardens State School.

The big prize for the day was the 2007 Greenest and Healthiest School, which Mr Welford presented to Wonga Beach State School.

Wonga Beach is in Far North Queensland and bordered by the heritage-listed Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef.

“Green and Healthy Schools gives students, teachers and parents an opportunity to participate in a range of initiatives, which develop the social, educational, economic and environmental benefits that come from caring for themselves, their community and the natural environment,” Mr Welford said.

“Sound environmental practices are embedded in many facets of Wonga Beach State School’s curriculum, social activities and community programs.

“Together, the school and the community embrace a philosophy of environmental awareness, sustainability and pride of place that ensure green and healthy living in one of the world’s most precious locations.”

Greenbank State School was runner-up for the Greenest and Healthiest School Award.

Media Contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000