YEC Sharing and Celebration Forum
Deputy Premier Susan Close MP and YEC members hearing about one of the projects undertaken this year
On Thursday 7 November, keen members of the Youth Environment Council of South Australia (YEC) descended upon the Adelaide Botanic Garden to take part in the final event for this year’s program.
Members had the opportunity to spend time outdoors connecting with nature and each other. They chose from activities including exploring the colours of biodiversity; learning how to make a paper plant pot and planting a native seed; using air-dry clay to investigate urban birds; or playing YEC Survivor – a game to identify food sources, how to avoid predators and create shelters in a forest.
Deputy Premier Susan Close MP was in attendance for part of the day, and she acknowledged the hard work of all the YEC members, highlighting the immense contributions that young people make to society and the environment. She then introduced and took questions on an extract from a short film representing South Australian youth voices on the environment. The film was produced for Dr Jane Goodall – the world-famous primatologist and environmentalist.
Some of the YEC members also contributed to the ‘Youth Voice for the Environment Statement’, which will be presented to the Deputy Premier and Dr Goodall. The statement seeks to ensure ongoing investment in youth voice that results in tangible outcomes for the environment. State Government and other decision-makers, including the Green Adelaide Board, will be asked to respond.
A focus of the YEC is to encourage students to take action on issues they are passionate about. Over the year, they develop a range of environmental projects that focus on creating positive change within their school or local community. This year’s projects covered a range of issues, including creating food and biodiversity gardens; creating jewellery from recycled objects; fund raising for their favourite environmental charity; weeding and habitat restoration; improving a school’s waste management system; organising and undertaking litter clean-ups; starting school environment groups; and raining awareness about important environmental issues.
The day was rounded out with a panel of guest speakers before the YEC members showcased their year-long projects with friends, family and invited guests.
Members had the opportunity to spend time outdoors connecting with nature and each other. They chose from activities including exploring the colours of biodiversity; learning how to make a paper plant pot and planting a native seed; using air-dry clay to investigate urban birds; or playing YEC Survivor – a game to identify food sources, how to avoid predators and create shelters in a forest.
Deputy Premier Susan Close MP was in attendance for part of the day, and she acknowledged the hard work of all the YEC members, highlighting the immense contributions that young people make to society and the environment. She then introduced and took questions on an extract from a short film representing South Australian youth voices on the environment. The film was produced for Dr Jane Goodall – the world-famous primatologist and environmentalist.
Some of the YEC members also contributed to the ‘Youth Voice for the Environment Statement’, which will be presented to the Deputy Premier and Dr Goodall. The statement seeks to ensure ongoing investment in youth voice that results in tangible outcomes for the environment. State Government and other decision-makers, including the Green Adelaide Board, will be asked to respond.
A focus of the YEC is to encourage students to take action on issues they are passionate about. Over the year, they develop a range of environmental projects that focus on creating positive change within their school or local community. This year’s projects covered a range of issues, including creating food and biodiversity gardens; creating jewellery from recycled objects; fund raising for their favourite environmental charity; weeding and habitat restoration; improving a school’s waste management system; organising and undertaking litter clean-ups; starting school environment groups; and raining awareness about important environmental issues.
The day was rounded out with a panel of guest speakers before the YEC members showcased their year-long projects with friends, family and invited guests.
