TGIF: your CHC newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands that we do our work on today; the Awabakal and Worimi peoples. We pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging and celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and connections to the lands and waters of NSW.

-Lincoln

Photos from Week 5 & 6

Conservation Critters

A short History of the Conservation Critters

In November of 2024, Michelle Dado-Millyn screened ‘The Power of Activism’ at Cooks Hill Campus [CHC]. It was a documentary about young people taking action in their communities to have a social impact and to positively approach climate change. Michelle encouraged a group at CHC to create something of their own and become a part of a wider program she was fostering for the purposes of sharing resources with schools about young people being able to effect real change – 8 schools from around the country were selected.

After brainstorming, narrowing in on Asha’s original idea, focusing then expanding to add other concepts, the Conservation Critters was born.

Seasonal guided tours, focusing on biodiversity, were researched extensively with visits to Landcare sites, consulting iNaturalist, along with mentors from University of Newcastle and the Environment and Sustainability department of City of Newcastle [CN]. With further support from the CN and the Newcastle Museum, the CC’s and The Power of Activism were given a stall and a screening at the Future Street Party Youth Week event along with promotion on their social media. At the event, the CC logo (by Alice), website (by Vance) and guided tours dates were launched, invaluable information about local biodiversity was shared and people left with take home goodies and inspiration for their own back yards [native seed bombs, bee and bug hotels made from recycled materials by Savannah, Evie, Veya, Anni, Vance, Alice, Zack and Asha].

The first community guided tour was hosted with Bug Bingo played throughout and a Pollinator Picnic to finish up. Asha and Anni informed the crowd about the specific features of the weird and wonderful native plants, bugs, flora and fauna of Arcadia Park in The Hill, Newcastle. The Conservation Critters tour was featured in The Newcastle Weekly and after that first tour, Alice, Asha and Anni were interviewed on ABC 1233 radio, followed by an article in the Newcastle Herald. At the next community walk there were young and old in attendance. At both walks Veya did a Welcome to Country, Alice introduced the logistics, and the likes of Savannah, Evie, Zack and Vance kept us organised, informed and fed! The team effort was extraordinary and even more media attention followed (over 50 locals had attended the tours).

Encouragement to apply for Youth Climate Action grant came at the exact right time. Having achieved so much with volunteers, elbow grease and donated materials, the CC’s were ready to expand. To educate further and to reach new audiences. Proudly supported by CN via the grant, the CC’s have hosted 2 more tours to date, involving local primary schools – Newcastle East Primary School and Islington Primary School. In addition to Bug Bingo and the Pollinator Picnic, new CC member Giavannah devised three nature-based art workshops, expertly assisted by Sam, Layla, Tyr, Alice, Asha and Anni.

By November 2025, 45 primary school students have gone home with new knowledge, personalised upcycled plastic bottle planters, leaf and ink printed bags made from old sheets, native seed packets with instructions, and artist designed materials about native flora and fauna [a CN resource]. These resources inspired this book! The Insect Inventory! With support from CHC students who have done the illustrations, Asha has edited a uniquely Newcastle publication. Asha describes themself as ‘an aspiring entomologist with a fervent dedication to understanding and preserving our natural world’. So, you are in good hands. Enjoy!

The Insect Inventory is a thing that we are publishing – we are printing 50 copies of a book about Newcastle bugs that Asha is editing – CHC students have done the illustrations and helped with the research and it will promote how cool the insects are, how identify them and how to look after them. Coming soon!

We profoundly thank the council for their contributions and support, as well as allowing us the opportunity to apply for the Youth Clime Action Grant.

-Lucie (Advisor/ mentor to the Conservation Critters).

Volunteering opportunities

Suppose you love giving back to your community and getting involved, or have too much free time during the upcoming school holidays; you might be interested in participating in volunteer work. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting communities by helping people, facilities, and places that may not receive regular attention.

Volunteer opportunities can include helping at aged-care homes, gardening, running social media pages for community centres, visiting hospitals, and much more.

To find volunteer opportunities near you, visit the sites linked below!

-Ari

Social Action Project Group: Sewing

The intended Social Action of the Sewing group is to benefit a primary school by making a sensory book for the kids, letting them explore different textures and fabrics. Group members have all been working on a page of the sensory book, adding their own little personalised touches to each page.

Most of the group in sewing already knew how to sew and thats why they joined but you do not need to have previous knowledge about sewing to join.

-Lily & Kiah

Crossword

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