Conargo Public and Deni High students with YACTAC project officer Andrea Mitchell (far left), Janet Manzin from the Ricegrowers Association (back, fifth from left) and Deni High teacher Allana Moorse (far right)
A great local project is not only working to improve the local environment, it's bringing together community members to achieve its aims.
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Conargo Public School and Deniliquin High School students collaborated with the Yanco Creek and Tributaries Advisory Council Inc, Deniliquin Kolety Lagoons Landcare group, and the Ricegrowers' Association of Australia in December.
Between them, they planted 600 native wetland species along 400m of the Billabong Creek, at the bridge in Conargo.
Conargo Public’s Years 3-6 students and Year 10 Deniliquin High School students participated in the planting efforts, which YACTAC project officer Andrea Mitchell said is aimed at enhancing habitat for native fish and bird species, especially the eel-tailed catfish.
“The day also featured educational moments, such as a high school student's description of eel-tailed catfish nesting habits,” she said.
“Participants also revisited last year’s planting site to see its impressive progress, reinforcing the value of their work.
“With 18 dedicated volunteers from varied groups, the event demonstrated the power of collaboration to complete projects which will make a difference – literally growing nature!”
A Conargo Public School spokesperson said the students learned a lot.
“What an amazing morning for our students, working alongside passionate experts to protect and restore our local environment," the representative said.
Mrs Mitchell said the initiative aligns nicely with the goals of the Refreshing Rivers Program, enhancing creek health while delivering lasting benefits to both the community and the environment.
“It represents another small, but important step toward securing the long-term health of our beautiful Yanco Creek System,” she said.
The planting day on the Billabong at Conargo was one of three hosted by YACTAC as part of a larger program to look after the Central Billabong.
Planting events were also held in Coleambally and Jerilderie, with the three projects spanning 80km and united schools and volunteers in a shared mission to protect and restore the precious ecosystems of the Yanco and Billabong Creeks.
Other schools involved were Finley High School and Coleambally Central School.
Conargo Primary and Deni High students worked with YACTAC and other partners on the project.
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