Part of the Coles and Planet Ark Sustainable Schools Competition, $5000 has been awarded to seven schools in Victoria, making it the most awarded state in the country.
Broadford Primary School will use its grant to turn food scraps into a thriving ecosystem, where chickens feed on lunch leftovers and native gardens bloom.
Broadford Primary School assistant principal Bree Chisholm said the project would teach students how waste could be repurposed to nurture new life.
“We’re creating a living, breathing cycle where nothing goes to waste – food scraps feed our beloved school chickens, their manure enriches the soil and native plants grow to support local birds, bees and wildlife,” she said.
“Students will be part of an outdoor classroom and learn that waste is just a resource in the wrong place.”
Attracting more than 240 entries, this year’s competition saw a 50 per cent increase in applications compared to last year.
Awarded during National Recycling Week, the grants support projects that showcase young minds stepping up to enhance their environment and further build their community.
Coles chief commercial and sustainability officer Anna Croft said the students’ bright ideas proved creating a more sustainable future began in the classroom.
“The creativity and drive of this year’s competition entrants is inspiring,” she said.
“Our young Australians are not only learning about sustainability but finding clever, practical ways to care for their local environments.
“We’re proud to support our 2025 competition winners as they take sustainability out of the classroom and into their own hands.”
Planet Ark co-chief executive Adam Culley said partnering with Coles was a chance to unlock the potential of young Aussies eager to tackle sustainability head-on.
“Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders and this competition gives them the chance to bring their boldest sustainability ideas to life,” he said.
“We’re giving students the chance to see change in action, think big and lead with energy and determination.
“This funding is providing schools the opportunity to act now and set their school communities up for continued impact in the years to come.”
Planet Ark’s National Recycling Week ran from Monday, November 10, to Sunday, November 16, and Coles was its major sponsor for a fourth consecutive year.
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