St Paul's Catholic College in Greystanes won the overall School/Education award in the 2005 Regional Environment Awards sponsored by the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust and Blacktown, Baulkham Hills, Parramatta and Holroyd Councils.

The school won $1,000 towards future environmental projects in addition to an award for the best entry in the School/Education category in the Holroyd City Council area.

St Paul's won the award for their Green Corridors project. Through the project a green corridor is being established through the school grounds using plants that are native to the Cumberland Plain.

Over 60 students have planted over 2,000 trees, with a further 1,000 to be planted in coming months. There has been an increase in biodiversity within the school grounds as evidenced by the number and variety of fauna species present. The project has also increased environmental awareness amongst the school community.

Teacher John Lloyd said:

"The Green Corridor project has given our students the opportunity to become actively involved in improving their environment and developing a sense of belonging. The project has become part of the school culture."

29 nominations were received from across the region for this year's awards. The awards were attended by Diane Beamer MP, the Minister for Western Sydney. Cr Julia Finn of Parramatta City Council and Cr Alan Ezzy of Holroyd City Council presented awards to winners from their local government areas.

Dr Stephen Lees, Executive Officer of the Trust said:

"The Awards recognise the importance of community action to protect vegetation and waterways in the Catchment. The health of our waterways depends upon community minded individuals and groups doing the right thing in their own neighbourhood."

Pictured are St Paul's students accompanied by teachers John Lloyd (far left) and Sue Welch (far right) receiving their award from Trust Deputy Chairman, Brian Dooley.