It is a pleasure to visit Somerville Secondary College today to see the progress students have made on the Yumarrala Wetlands.
Students, with the assistance of parents, teachers, community members and a number of generous sponsors have
turned a patch of land into thriving wetlands.
The Wetlands Redevelopment Project was created by Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning students, who have designed and restored the wetlands while developing vocational skills.
It is terrific to see these young students so passionate about the environment and dedicated to making a difference in their own backyard.
The school has planted more than 6,000 indigenous trees over the past two years and made the wetlands area something they can be truly proud of.
Somerville Secondary College principal Christopher Lloyd said the students were extremely proud of what they had created.
“The wetlands have become a community focal point and the enthusiasm of the students has inspired the Somerville-Tyabb Men’s Shed to get involved. A host of retired gents with a broad range of expertise have worked with the students to turn their vision into reality,” he said.
“We are thrilled today to be able to share the achievement of a dedicated group of future environmental leaders.”
Environmental group Peninsula Speaks has also shown their support for the school by creating a fundraising campaign to raise money for a protective fence for the wetlands.
Donations to the group are tax deductible and will all go directly back into the College’s wetlands program, visit www.peninsulaspeaks.org to make a donation.
Community members can take a tour of the Yumarrala Wetlands by contacting the College reception.
Media contact: Samantha Robin on 03 5979 3188 or 0427 787 166
Download the related file: 171213 Media Release Somerville Secondary College.pdf