Gagebrook’s younger cohort are continuing to expand their sustainability knowledge and practices following a visit from Brighton Council’s Mayor Leigh Gray, General Manager James Dryburgh and Waste Education Officer Gwen Harper.

Environmental responsibility has been a hot topic at Gage­brook Primary, with the school introducing student-led roles to maintain a healthy, waste-free school space. Library Services Manager and Canteen Supervisor Heather Reeves praised the students’ motiva­tion at getting involved.

“We have a group of young sustainability champions who check the bins, including the FOGO, to make sure students are recycling properly. As we make a lot of canteen food onsite and grow some of the food onsite, it makes a real difference reducing waste to landfill,” said Heather.

The guest speakers read to classes as part of library re­cycling week, combining the joy of reading with stories of environmental stewardship. “It was a delight to be invited to share a story with the class on sustainability. There were so many good points raised by the kids from reading stories on looking after the planet and the local environment in which we live,” said Mayor Gray.

“The storytelling sessions are an excellent example of how we all have a role to play in en­vironmental stewardship, and that environmental leadership comes from all aspects of our community,” he added.

Brighton Council assists local schools by providing a free FOGO collection service and bins as part of a commitment to waste reduction and waste education. For more informa­tion on the Brighton Council sustainability program and waste services available, see: www.brighton.tas.gov.au.