Projects

Illawarra Climate Education Project 

The Illawarra Climate Education Project responds to EENSW research that school communities have no easy way to connect teachers, school staff or volunteers with sustainability experts across other sectors in NSW. To achieve NSW net zero by 2050  we know we need to work together across sectors in collaboration to design and implement adaptive climate projects. Working with the Illawarra region provides an opportunity for this project to strengthen connections between schools, environmental providers and the Illawarra community, creating a more coordinated and collaborative regional approach. 

Project outcomes are to support climate action and resilience across schools and create a stronger environmental education alliance. Six pilot schools are working closely with Environmental Education NSW to explore how climate education can be meaningfully embedded into teaching practice, curriculum and whole‑school culture. Through co‑design, these schools help shape the professional learning, resources and support offered across the region, ensuring it is grounded in real classroom needs and local context.

A key focus of the project is strenthening networks where pilot schools, providers and the Illawarra EEC can share progress, exchange ideas and identify opportunities for joint environmental projects. Teachers are invited to complete a short survey to share where they are on their sustainability journey, helping us understand how best to support them. The project also provides curated climate education resources, along with a directory of Illawarra‑based providers who can partner with schools. By exploring what teachers need to drive environmental change in their schools this initiative aims to strengthen a regional model for Sustainable Schools NSW into the future.

This project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust.