The Living Murray Project Announced

The Murray Darling Basin Commission through the Murray Darling Association and NSW Department of Education and Training are pleased to announce the launch of a new valuable curriculum resource.

Over the past twelve months the Walbundrie Small School’s group has developed a Stage 2/3 Curriculum unit titled “The Living River” which explores the influence of the natural, built and heritage environments on peoples’ lifestyle choices, leisure and artistic expression. The focus of the unit grew from student forums which were held in this region in 2006 supported by the Living Murray initiative.

With joint funding from the Murray Darling Association and the NSW Curriculum Directorate’s Australian Government Quality Teacher Program an innovative ten week unit has been developed that can be used generically across south eastern Australia.

Currently both organisations are supporting the development of a DVD and a student/teacher activity book which will be a stimulating resource for schools teaching this unit. The DVD will be available early 2008 school year with the workbook being available by mid year.

Dr Wendy Craik, CEO of Murray Darling Basin Commission and Ms Robyn Mamouney, Assistant Director Curriculum K-12, NSW Department of Education and Training officially launched the resources at Corowa South Public School and Burrumbuttock Public School on Tuesday 25th September 2007.

A colourful poster will also be launched. In 2006 students from the Corowa South, Burrumbuttock and Howlong Public Schools in NSW and Katamatite, Wahgunyah and Rutherglen Primary Schools in Victoria, participated in two youth forums on the “Living Murray”. The students decided to prepare some materials on the Living Murray for all schools along the Murray River. This poster is just one of the outcomes and reflects the students wishes that we need to respect our river, respond (not react) to land and water issues and challenges.

Further enquiries to Owen Dunlop at owen.dunlop@det.nsw.edu.au

Landcare Australia Story

Landcare Australia have written another story on the centre. The article highlights Wirraminna’s many achievements and tells of our commitment to saving the native
squirrel glider. Click here to view

Official opening of the Discovery and Learning Centre

The Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre has invited the Member for Farrer, Sussan Ley, to open its new rammed earth building on Friday November 24th. The building has been built this year with the enthusiastic assistance of volunteer labour from the local community.

NSW Southwest Slopes Landcare group wins national award

NSW Southwest Slopes Landcare group of which West Hume is a partner has won a major national landcare award. It’s a massive win for the NSW South West Slopes Landcare and Local Government project. His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, presented the award to representatives from the project in front of a packed audience of people from the Landcare movement. Click here to find out more.

Case Study of Best Practice

A case study of best practice has been written about Wirraminna by Phil Smith Dept Environment and Conservation. The case study was developed from an interview with Owen Dunlop, Principal and a range of materials, including the School Environmental Management Plan, and some media reports.

The story of the WEEC highlights the strengths of close school- community relationships and, importantly, the creativity and expertise that exist in a school’s broader community. It also shows how quality sustainability initiatives can be the source of quality teaching and learning. Click here to view the full case study.

New Interpretative centre

The new Interpretative centre is now operating! Our first group of visitors was the tour of the Murray Catchment Management Authority (MCMA) on the 8th August 2006.

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