MEDIA RELEASE 15 June 2023

Make a difference through environmental education! 

Yuma! Are you enthusiastic about the environment? Would you like to join a group of like-minded educators who are working in the environmental education sector? Now is your opportunity to get involved and support a wide range of initiatives that will make a difference to educational policies and practices for sustainability and the environment. AAEE currently have three opportunities to make a difference in the ACT! 

1. 2 volunteering vacancies on our ACT Chapter executive committee, these are our Board’s Secretary and Communications Officer positions (contact us at aaeeact@gmail.com).

2. Nominate for the 3 ACT and National Environmental Educator of the Year awards (more below)

3. Apply for an AAEE Environmental Education student Scholarship

The  Environmental Educator of the Year Awards are in three award categories: 

1. ACT Environmental Educator of the Year (also eligible for the national award) - due 19 July

2. Emerging Educator of the Year (ACT Community) - nominations open until  October

3. Emerging Educator of the Year (ACT Schools) - nominations open until October

If you know someone who deserves recognition or if you would like to nominate yourself for these awards for excellence, please see our blog for further details, or complete our awards nomination form.

The ACT’s 2022 Environmental Educator of the Year was Vivienne Pearce OAM. Viv is a well-known advocate for environmental education, bringing motivation and drive to speak out and influence others on sustainability and First Nations Knowledge/Caring for Country. 

The ACT’s 2022 Emerging Environmental Educator of the Year (Community award) was Belinda Wilson. Belinda’s research and educational activities at Mulligans Flat (quolls and bettongs), Jerrabomberra Wetlands (birds), and Commonwealth Park (with flying-foxes) has been exemplary. 

Available for comment:

• Andrew O’Meara, President AAEE ACT Chapter, Wildbark Centre Operations Manager (0404 419 030).

• Julia Landford, Vice President AAEE ACT Chapter, and NatureArt Lab founding director (0414 342 839, on tour in Borneo until June 28).

• Belinda Wilson ACT Emerging Environmental Educator of the Year 2022 (0403 819 699).

About AAEE: The Australian Association for Environmental Education (AAEE) is a national association supporting all educators – in schools and communities – through networking, resources, conferences and scholarships. Promoting engagement with the natural environment is now more important than ever. Our members and colleagues contribute in many different ways – from leading nature walks for members, promoting awareness of environmental themes for SeaWeek, Pollinators, or professional development with sustainability. We also acknowledge the significance of Traditional Custodianship, knowledge and the importance of connection with Country. 

The ACT has an active AAEE Chapter with a team of environmental educators who are working to make a difference in this sector. We have two vacancies on our executive committee and would welcome your support with either our Secretary or Communications Officer positions. New members are welcome! If you would like to learn more about the work of ACT’s environmental educators, become a member, or attend one of the networking events contact us at aaeeact@gmail.com. You can also visit our Blogspot or our Facebook page.