NSW Ports has helped Lake Heights Public School students construct vegetable pods, harvest fresh produce and learn about healthy eating as part of a thriving garden program.
The funding formed part of NSW Ports’ 2022 Community Grants program, which supported groups that deliver positive outcomes in the areas of community participation, community infrastructure and the environment and sustainability.
NSW Ports Communications Manager Brooke Eggleton said the business was thrilled the community grants had supported so many valuable projects across the Illawarra and beyond.
“Lake Heights Public School was one of 17 grantees to benefit from our 2022 program, which supports local, grassroots organisations that do tremendous community work in the areas surrounding our ports and intermodal terminals,” Ms Eggleton said.
“Port Kembla has a long and celebrated history in the Illawarra that dates back well over a century. And those strong community connections continue to this day, with 99 per cent of the port’s 10,000 strong workforce living in surrounding neighbourhoods.
“Lake Heights Public School students and teachers do a spectacular job maintaining their outdoor garden program, which teaches kids about sustainability, healthy living, nutritious food and working as a team to harvest their produce. We’re so pleased to support a flourishing future for kids in the Illawarra.”
Environmental projects, multicultural and First Nations initiatives, social services and local sport and school programs were among the 17 NSW Ports Community Grant recipients for 2022.
Lake Heights Public School received a grant to install vegetable pods (contained, raised gardening beds) and watering equipment at their outdoor garden for students.
Lake Heights Public School Principal Kieran Corbyn said the thriving garden program was a popular part of the curriculum.
“We teach our students to care for their community and their environment and the garden program is an excellent way in which to instil these lessons, while building practical skills and a sense of ownership and responsibility,” Mr Corbyn said.
“Our students have a terrific time maintaining their gardens, harvesting what they grow and cooking healthy meals with one another – it’s just a fantastic program. I thank NSW Ports for their contribution to support this initiative.”
Further information about NSW Ports’ 2022 Community Grants Program is available here.
For media inquiries, contact:
Brooke.Eggleton@nswports.com.au | 0419 684 953