Earth Assist a winner

11 February 2009

   Left to Right: Andrew Soltys (CVA), Ben Palmer (Shenton College), Katie Powers (Shenton College), Laurie Ball (Rio Tinto), Tania Hudson (Rio Tinto), Rebecca Young (CVA).Students across the state are preparing to get their hands dirty in a new programme that connects kids to priority Department of Environment and Conservation activities.

The initiative, a partnership between Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) and the Rio Tinto WA Future Fund, will be launched throughout the metropolitan area in Term Two and regionally later in the year.

 But this week it was Shenton College that was given the green thumbs up as winners of the state wide competition to name the exciting new youth initiative.

  “As the programme was created for students, it seemed only right that students name it,” said CVA Partnership Manager, Rebecca Young.

 “We received a fantastic array of entries, and choosing one was tough, but Shenton College put in a great effort. We’re delighted to announce that their Earth Assist entry is the winner.”

 Entered by year 11 student Ben Palmer, Rio Tinto Earth Assist will become the official name for the program, and will appear on everything from the website and workbooks to the programme’s bus.

 For his efforts, Ben has won himself a brand new Apple Macbook computer, while earning a $1000 Eco Voucher for his school. The College intends to use the voucher to develop a frog pond and vegetable garden.

 Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief executive Sam Walsh is pleased with the support and enthusiasm students and schools have shown for both the competition and the project. 

 “As long term partners of CVA, we have seen the incredible impact community volunteers have had on the natural environment,” he said.

 “I think it is great that thousands of students can now get involved in a hands on way as a result of the Rio Tinto Earth Assist project.”

 Rio Tinto Earth Assist will be an option for students as part of the Department of Education and Training’s new Compulsory Community Service programme, which requires all year 10 - 12 students to complete 20 hours community voluntary work to achieve their high school certificate.

 To find out more about how students and schools can get involved, please contact Conservation Volunteers Australia on 9227 5711.