Achievements
Leading, collaborating, empowering – our decade of action for environmental education across NSW
For five decades, EENSW has brought the environmental education community together through conferences, networking events and workshops. We deliver the NSW Environmental Education Conference biennially, over the last decade hosting conferences the Hunter (2015), Riverview, Sydney (2017), Kirrawee, Sydney (2019), Central Coast (2022), Wollongong (2023 National AAEE Conference, and Albury (2024). In 2026 we return to Gadigal Land, Sydney.
Beyond the conference, we run regional networking events, Green Drinks, Environmental Education Showcases, online professional learning webinars and in-person workshops across the state.
We invest in the skills and practice of environmental educators across all sectors, from schools and early childhood to local government and community organisations. Highlights include professional development workshops delivered in partnership with Les Robinson, the Bangladesh-Australia climate change and human rights workshop, the Palette of Possibilities workshop program and publication (2020), online webinars for teachers and educators.
We keep the community informed through our Sustainable Schools e-newsletter, the Best Practice Guide, and our previously published Conversations magazine.
Our Annual Awards program celebrates the achievements and efforts of outstanding environmental educators across NSW.
Advocacy & Policy
EENSW has a strong track record of influencing policy and driving systemic change. We co-developed Make the Change: A Framework for Education and Engagement for Sustainability with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, participated in the Environment Trust Technical Committee for Eco Schools and Environmental Education, delivered research for the NSW EPA on organic waste management in schools, supported the Climate Emergency Declaration movement, and contribute submissions to environment and education reviews. We are a longstanding member of the NSW Nature Conservation Council.
Programs & Projects
Our programs reach educators, schools and communities across NSW, including:
- Sustainable Schools NSW (2017–ongoing)
- Take Me Outside NSW (2019- 22)
- MidWaste Green Leaders (2019- 25)
- 52 Earthcare Challenges
- Sustainability Connect Directory
- Illawarra Climate Education Project
EENSW builds partnerships that amplify the reach of environmental education across NSW. Long-standing relationships include the NSW Nature Conservation Council, Return & Earn, Landcare NSW, AUSMAP, and NSW Environmental and Zoo Education Centres. We have supported Regional Sustainability Educator Networks and Green School Networks, and collaborated with the Coffs Coast Waste Conference and Outdoors NSW & Nature Play NSW.
Reconciliation & First Nations
Respect for Country and First Nations knowledge is embedded in our work. We maintain ongoing commitments to Reconciliation across our programs, events and organisational practice, and continue to develop this work alongside communities and educators.