News
Officer Kids Clean Up For A Cause
May 11, 2023 | IN Media Release and News | BY AVID | 3 min read
On Monday 8 May, Officer Primary School Grade 5 and 6 students traded the classroom for the
outdoors to tackle plastic pollution with an award-winning Australian charity,Take 3 for the Sea (Take
3).
Students participated in a hands-on workshop funded by AVID Property Group (AVID), who have
worked in partnership with Take 3 for four years, to spread the important message of ocean
conservation.
AVID Victoria Project Director Danny Boubli said the business is proud to support the delivery of these
educational workshops to schools at a local level as part of our national partnership with Take 3.
“Our Hillstowe community has supported many initiatives in Officer over the past 4 years. Hillstowe is
adjacent to Officer Primary School so it is fantastic to work alongside our close neighbour in delivering
a sustainability program through this workshop and access to online learning resources,” said Mr
Boubli.
“Take 3 deliver such a significant message, and it is our pleasure to help spread the word and
educate the next generation about the importance of protecting our planet.
“Although we aren’t near the ocean here in Officer, it is important to remember rubbish from urban
areas can still make its way into our waterways and ultimately, the sea.”
During the workshop, students embraced their new roles as ‘Sea Rangers’ collecting more than 7kg
and over 1,000 pieces of plastic rubbish, conducting a waste audit, and creating an action plan to help
reduce plastic waste at home and at school.
Many of the students found rubbish hidden in plain sight under bushes, behind buildings and along
fence lines.
Officer Primary School Teaching and Learning Leader, Julian De Zilva said the 48 students in
attendance had been looking forward to the event for weeks.
“All the students thoroughly enjoyed learning from these external educators and joining forces to be a
part of the solution.,” said Mr De Zilva.
“Creating awareness around the impacts of plastic pollution from a young age is crucial. It helps
children understand the consequences of plastic waste on the environment and gives them the
opportunity to begin affecting positive change.”
Mr De Zilva said as a small school they have to be very strategic when considering extra-curricular
activities and the financial commitments for families.
“Outside funding provides additional opportunities for the school; we are extremely grateful for AVID’s
sponsorship as it allows us to deliver this fantastic program to our students,” said Mr De Zilva.
Mr De Zilva said the school is eager to continue the program and utilise Take 3 resources moving
forward.
Take 3 for the Sea Educator Abbey Jacob said Take 3 for the Sea isn’t just about protecting the
world’s oceans.
“If you look around, Victoria is home to some beautiful parks and bushlands, we can all take small
steps to protect these local icons from plastic pollution,” said Ms Jacob.
Take 3 is an award-winning Australian charity on a mission to rid the oceans of plastic pollution. Their
message is simple: Take 3 pieces of rubbish with you when you leave the beach, waterway or
anywhere, and you have made a difference.
For more information on AVID’s work with Take 3 visit https://avid.com.au/take3forthesea/
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