People in the community

Schools and community organisations are local leaders in sustainability education and climate action. Learn how they are making a difference today.

Kids studying-vectorSchools are vital in educating our community about sustainability and climate change, and schools themselves present opportunities for climate change solutions.

Council has been a participating partner in the Solar My School program and has supported Heathcote High School on their solar energy journey. This initiative supports local energy generation and reduces emissions for the community, as well as delivering savings for schools and learning opportunities for students. The completion of the Heathcote High 71kW solar system means:

  • A 25% reduction in school energy bills
  • Enough power to run 451 computers or 16 homes
  • Reduction of carbon emissions by 80 tonnes (equal to taking 28 cars off the road).

Students can help reduce our communities' emissions, reduce traffic congestion, and improve their health and well-being by walking or cycling to school. Council has supported the Cycling to School program which focuses on improving children's confidence in cycling skills and road safety awareness.

If your school is unsure what sustainability projects to implement Getting Started with Sustainability in Schools is a great resource for teachers and students alike.

If your school is already on the sustainability path, consider participating in Council's Youth Week Climate and Biodiversity Forum, or joining Speaking 4 the Planet (S4P), an arts-based competition that encourages school students to get creative and engage with environmental and sustainability issues.

In 2023, Jasper in Year 8 at Caringbah High School was awarded a sustainable prize pack from Council for his Speaking 4 the Planet entry:

Walled garden. Everything is great! Green! You have food! Until the walls come down. You see what is truly happening. Grey Rainbow. Lifeless looks. A wasteland. Perhaps we are living walled up.

Youth Climate Forum 2023

Concerns raised during our Youth Climate Forum 2023

Community caring for the environmentThere are a variety of sustainability-minded community organisations active in our area.

The Reconnect Project promotes a circular economy in NSW, refurbishing used electronic devices and providing them to people in need, helping to divert e-waste from landfill.

Electrify Bundeena is promoting the community transition from fossil-fuels to clean energy in homes and transport.

SOShire is a community driven network of individuals, businesses and organisations all working together for a sustainable Sutherland Shire.

Shire Climate Action Network (ShireCAN) is a community of Sutherland Shire residents dedicated to climate action. ShireCAN connects like-minded people to share issues and work constructively to support sustainable initiatives and the transition to a net zero economy and lifestyle.

Check the below grant programs to see if your school or community organisation is eligible,

Since 2023 Sutherland Shire Council has hosted a Climate and Biodiversity Forum for Year 8 to 10 High School students from across the Sutherland Shire and beyond as a part of its NSW Youth Week programme.

The Climate and Biodiversity Forum creates a space for likeminded students to come together, learn, participate in activities and workshops and exchange ideas.

The collaborate structure of the day empowers the students to take action on climate change, biodiversity loss and other youth environment and sustainability issues, such as eco-anxiety.

The Climate and Biodiversity Forum also enables our youth to have direct input into real actions, such as the forthcoming Sutherland Shire Climate Strategy and the forthcoming Resilient Sydney Resilience Strategy.

Participating schools and students are also given the opportunity for continued support for school-based projects from our network of local environmental mentors.