Education. Partnerships. Biodiversity. Sustainable Agriculture. Landcare
The Petaurus Education Group Inc. (PEG) was established in late-2014 to identify, develop and deliver a range of learning and curriculum experiences, resources and initiatives for schools and community groups to connect with land, water, biodiversity, productive and sustainable farming, resource sustainability and cultural issues at the local level.
PEG operates across the Murray, Riverina and Western regions of NSW and into northeast Victoria. The group is incorporated in NSW and Victoria so that it can receive, manage and report on local, state and commonwealth funding opportunities and partnerships. It can also employ staff, manage projects and auspice other volunteer groups to manage grants, funding and on-ground projects. One of their main focuses is to support the Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre in Burrumbuttock.
The programs, developed by the small but dedicated staff of PEG, have grown as external organisations seek its expertise to run programs that focus on farming, managing pests, Landcare, caring for the environment and cultural heritage, identify and reconciliation.
One of their flagship programs is Creative Catchment Kids (CCK), the winner of the 2016 Yates Junior Landcare Team Award and 2015 NSW Junior Landcare Team Award. CCK is a key component of Murray Local Land Services Murray Region Community Education Program. CCK began in 2010 as an initiative of Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre and transferred to PEG in 2014. The program aims to improve engagement between the funding partners and school students across the Murray-Darling Basin. The programs provide opportunities for positive, cooperative activities that encourage students to learn about and respond to, natural resource management and the importance of agricultural production. Over the years, more than 200 schools from Cabramurra to Tibooburra, Albury to Griffith have benefited from being involved in CCK.
During 2016 PEG expanded to host one of the Local Landcare Coordinators through the 2015-2023 NSW Landcare Support Program. The Co-ordinator works with local Landcare groups and networks from Bunngowannah to Khancoban, including Albury, Burrumbuttock, Walbundrie, Culcairn, Holbrook, Mullengandra, Tumbarumba, Gerogery and Tooma to build capacity and connections within communities.
PEG's voluntary management committee is drawn from the community with experience, knowledge, passion and commitment to natural resource management, Landcare, agriculture and education.
Our key partners include state and federal government agencies, business, Universities, Local Governments, researchers and community groups.
MISSION
To connect our community with the natural and cultural environment through education and communication to promote positive social change.
OUR GOALS
- Provide high quality educational outreach programs to specific groups and the broader community.
- Promoting and inspiring the next generation of Australians to discover and explore science and innovation.
- Act as a broker through hosting and supporting community group positions, such as Landcare, that build up the capacity of regional communities.
- Develop and deliver natural resource management, conservation and Cultural partnership programs that increase the resilience and capacity of regional communities.
- Provide consultation and advice to government organisations, non-government organisations, businesses and community groups on best practice methodology surrounding programs.
- Practice sound governance.
for more about Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre and Wirraminna woodland restoration go to www.wirraminna.org.au
Petaurus Education Group acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Projects
Murray Local Landcare Coordinator Initiative Joint Working Group
Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre's Creative Catchment Kids Program wins the 2016 Yates Junior Landcare Team Award at the National Landcare Conference!