Our Place

School Financial Assistance Program

Marrickville Council is committed to assisting schools to apply sustainability principles and integrate environmental education into school communities.  Each year schools have the opportunity to apply for financial assistance from Council toward a school environmental project designed to enhance the natural, cultural or learning environment of the school.

Financial assistance up to $500 is available, to seven local schools. Applications will be assessed on the basis that they address one or more of the 3 objectives of the NSW Environmental Education Policy for Schools which are:

• 1. Integration of Environmental Education into all curriculum areas.
• 2. Best practice and learning opportunities in the management of school resources.
• 3. Applying principals of ecological sustainable development and identifying learning opportunities for students in the management of school grounds.

In order to receive funding, the project must:

• be identified in the School Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) or relate to the development of a SEMP; and
• have specific environmental learning outcomes for students either during the development or implementation of the project.
• Priority will be given to schools that have not received support from the program in the last two years.

Applications will be accepted until Tuesday 9 June 2009. All assistance will be paid in June 2009 and projects must by completed by the end of term one 2010.

To apply

• Download and complete an application form (53KB, PDF file)
• Attach your School Environmental Management Plan (if one has been developed).
• Fax both to Marrickville Council on 9335 2029.

For more information regarding this program or to discuss your proposed project, please contact Council's Community Sustainability Coordinator Lucy Sharman on 9335 2197.

Examples of past projects

In recent years schools have completed a variety of projects including the following: 

• Native garden
• Sensory garden
• Bush-tucker garden
• Frog pond
• Organic or no-dig vegetable garden
• Environmental Audits
• Outdoor education area
• Recycling Systems

Click here to read about some of the projects completed in 2007.