We are extremely proud to announce that our CASS Gumnut Early Learning Centre at Campsie has been awarded the “2021 Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant” for upgrading its existing vegetable garden for its project called “Green, Bloom and Taste”.

Representative of Woolworths Supermarkets, Ms. Marcella Laurendi was invited to visit CASS Gumnut Early Learning Centre at Campsie on Wednesday, 2 June 2021 to meet our educators and kids. A cheque presentation was held and Dr. Leng Tan, Emeritus Chairperson of CASS, received the cheque on behalf of CASS and expressed our heartfelt thanks for the support of Woolworths. Ms. Dorothy Hung, Senior Executive Officer of CASS Child Care Services, and Ms. Carina Sinn, Centre Director of CASS Gumnut Early Learning Centre at Campsie, shared with Ms Laurendi how the green project helped educating the children to become more environmental conscious, getting them hands-on and developing their sustainable practices and greener lifestyles.

Three of our children rolled up their sleeves, picked up the spades and seeds, showed how to sow and care a plant attentively. Their participation and diligence greatly impressed our guests.

“Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants”, in its third round in 2021, is opened for application to primary schools and early learning centres across Australia. It aims to inspire kids with hands-on projects focusing on sustainable food production, improving waste management practices and enhancing native habitats.

With the support of the Grant, the vegetable garden at CASS Gumnut Early Learning Centre at Campsie will be further enhanced and refurbished. More children will take part in designing the new garden beds, as well as growing plants by sowing and caring. Children are anticipating the day of harvesting and eating the produces during their morning tea and cooking lessons. Most importantly, by growing their own vegetables, children will be exposed to the learning experiences of removing the old dry plant and disposing it into the compost bin, re-using the seeds for planting more vegetables, and exploring solutions to reduce the negative impacts on the environment.  

Actions always speak louder than words. Children can be nurtured with a sense of responsibility, confidence, love for nature and awareness in environmental protection from their true participation and involvement. They can really enjoy what they have grown, taste the sweetness from the effort they have put into.

If you are interested to know more about CASS Child care Services and programmes, please visit www.casschildcare.org.au for more information.