Ten local schools are to receive funding through Council’s 2025/2026 Eco Schools Grant Program, helping students and school communities deliver practical projects that support a healthier, more sustainable Northern Beaches.

This year’s program was refreshed following a review of the earlier years, with smaller grants offered to more schools, a simpler application process and added Council support to help projects get off the ground. The changes have already been effective, with 10 eligible applications received this year, a marked increase on previous years.

The program offers grants of up to $500 per school across five priority areas: bush regeneration, carbon reduction, waste reduction, sustainability education, and water reuse and reduction.

Projects put forward this year include everything from native gardens and bush care to waste reduction, waterway protection and practical learning opportunities that help students become environmental leaders in their schools and wider community.

The unsung heroes are the teachers who go above and beyond their classroom duties to coordinate these projects and see them through to to see completion. Their dedication inspires students to become  eco-champions, building strong  foundations for  sustainability that benefit the community and our environment.

Funding will be distributed to successful schools shortly, with projects to be delivered by 1 December 2026. By supporting more schools to take part, the program is helping grow practical, local action that benefits students now and builds long term sustainability outcomes across the Northern Beaches.