Carlingford West Public School is green with excitement after winning the best School category in the 2004 Regional Environment Awards presented by Michael Richardson MP at a ceremony at Old Government House in Parramatta Park last Thursday evening. After beating 14 other worthy contenders the Carlingford school came out on top with its school-based nature garden project that is greening up the school grounds.

The 2004 Regional Environment Awards recognise environmental excellence and best practice under the categories of Community Groups, Schools and Individuals. The Awards are sponsored by the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust, Baulkham Hills, Blacktown, Holroyd and Parramatta Councils and cover all four council areas. The awards have a combined prize pool of over $10,000.

Teachers and students at Carlingford West Public School have been busy surveying, planning and planting their school playground over the past year. They realised that many of their larger native trees were beginning to suffer, so the students suggested that gardens should be built around the trees. Parents and community members were asked to help out in garden working bees which have helped to 'green' the school.

The 2003 grade 6 class were so passionate about the schools nature gardens that they rallied to raise money to create a bush tucker garden within the grounds.

Jane Lodge, environmental coordinator and Teacher at Carlingford West Public School commented, "We have put in a great deal of work, but it is the students that have been driving everything. Our whole school community is really supportive of all the work we do, which is exciting".

Dr Stephen Lees, Executive Officer of the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust commented, "The school has done a wonderful job in creating and extending the green area within their school grounds. I was certainly impressed with the grade 6 students raising their own money to fund a bush tucker garden. The whole school, including parents and other community members, have worked hard to achieve this award. The Trust and four participating Councils hope to encourage schools like Carlingford West Public School to continue what they are doing, and provide an excellent example of what can be achieved within a school ground."

"All the groups who nominated should be very proud of the work they have been able to achieve. It is just a shame that we can't recognise more winners. There were over 40 nominations this year. This shows how committed our community is to preserving, protecting and enhancing the environment", Dr Lees went on to say.

Clr Sonya Phillips, Mayor of Baulkham Hills Shire Council said, "Its so great to see so many schools represented here. All the nominees work so hard to get things done within our shire. We need to be proud of this work".

Carlingford West Public School was also selected as the best school within Baulkham Hills Shire, receiving a total of $1,250 in prize money.

Other Baulkham Hills winners were Glenorie Environment and Creative Arts Centre, which won the Baulkham Hills Community Group category award, and Zac Gazzard of North Rocks, who was the Overall Individual winner and the Individual winner for Baulkham Hills Shire.