Environmental Group

Since the beginning of Term 4, the newly appointed Environmental Council executives have been busy establishing their new roles as well as extending the ongoing projects.

The Environmental Council has continued with the ongoing Environmental Regeneration Project, which has resulted in the planting of a large number of Eucalyptus and Bottlebrush plants in the gully behind the McCarthy College campus. Further planting of Lomandra and Bottlebrushes has occurred along the Tribe and Johnston Streets school boundary.

Moreover, the Environmental Council continued the 10 cent Recycling Initiative. So far this has raised over $200, which is the equivalent of more than 2000 bottles/cans.  The project was in its pilot phase and has been a huge success, so this will carry on in 2025 with plans to expand.

A couple of weeks ago, a number of volunteers went to the Tamworth Regional Landcare Nursery, which provided an excellent opportunity for students to learn new skills, as well as the school to support the local community. While there, volunteers helped transplanting seedlings, separating seeds from the husks as well as weeding. These visits are part of a partnership between the local Landcare and the school community. 

As mentioned in the previous newsletter, the Environmental Council would like to thank the 2024 Executive team for welcoming the 2025 Executive members into their previous roles. 

Towards the end of this term and throughout next year, the Environmental council plans to expand the bird feeders across the McCarthy campus as well as continue the current recycling and seeding projects. A large number of plants as well as more animal habitats will be added to the gully behind the school. 

For those who want to make a difference to the environment, come and join the Environmental Council. By contributing you get to make a difference in the environmental wellbeing of the school, interact with McCarthy community, and gain extracurricular experiences for university and employment applications. 

By Baylee Whitworth

Environmental Council Communications Officer.

Grant awarded!

I am very pleased to announce that the McCarthy Catholic College Environmental Regeneration Project is a winner of an Independent Education Union Environment Grant. These annual grants are sponsored by the Teachers Mutual Bank and support a range of school-based projects.

The grant funds will be a welcome donation towards our ongoing plan to establish an Indigenous Food Garden and create habitat for fauna. This will become a resource available to all members of the school community.

Mr Shaun Nichols

Environmental Council