Connecting young people that care about the Earth

Notre Dame sustainability co-ordinator Phil Guthrie, who co-ordinated the event, said it was a natural next step after attending last year’s council youth congress.

“Last year we attended the council youth congress, and we were the only school there … I just couldn’t believe that we were the only school,” he said.

“These discussions are so important — so this year we created our own and branched out.”

The day featured interactive workshops and presentations overseen by youth sustainability leader Ali Thwaites from OzGREEN’s Youth Leading the World program — an initiative that empowers young people to become global and local leaders in environmental and social innovation.

“I facilitated last year to teach Notre Dame how to run a program like this,” Ms Thwaites said.

“It’s so exciting to hear all the change they are making within their school.

“My main tip is try not to do a million things — pick one or two to focus on, and it’s about keeping that motivation.”

Notre Dame students have already implemented several sustainability initiatives, including print-free days, bin audits and a school-run thrift shop, which has turned over more than $6000 to support eco-efforts.

“Speaking to new people and getting their perspectives has been really insightful,” Notre Dame student Grace Lewin said.

“This congress has helped us improve our public speaking and event management.”

Greater Shepparton Secondary College Madeline Beare also said she got a lot out of the day.

“It’s great that we can come up with little ideas here today and voice them when we return back to school,” she said.

Mr Guthrie praised the collaborative spirit of the event.

“It’s fabulous to see students networking from different schools with the same passion towards a shared goal,” he said.