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Monash student paves the way for Future Environment Leaders

An initiative to train and nurture future environmental leaders has been launched by Monash University law student Ms Larissa Brown.

Ms Brown (pictured), a first-year student, teamed up with the Monash Environment Institute to devise the Future Environment Leaders program, which aims to help Victorian students contribute to a sustainable and healthy environment.

Ms Brown, who conducts the program, has always had a passion and love for the environment.

"The initial idea for the program came about through my desire to build a more sustainable world," she said.

"The program aims to have current leaders speak to future leaders to equip them with the tools necessary for creating a positive future for our environment."

The program runs for eight months and is open to Victorian tertiary students or recent graduates. Eighteen students are participating in this year's program.

It comprises weekly three-hour workshops presented by current environment leaders, the creation and running of environment and sustainability projects in the local community, a weekly radio program on Syn FM 90.7 and a mentoring program.

Four group sustainability projects have been launched, including 'Plantings for celebration', a service that provides alternative wedding gifts by establishing revegetation projects on public land to commemorate and celebrate weddings.

Mr Marcus Godinho, executive director of Environment Victoria and one of the program's mentors, said it was a fantastic opportunity for tomorrow's environmental champions to develop new leadership skills and expand their networks.

"I've been really impressed by the calibre of people participating in the Future Environmental Leaders program," Mr Godinho said. "I hope by spending time with them I can share some of the lessons I've learned from working on environmental issues."

The Future Environment Leaders program has received financial support from The Myer Foundation -- a philanthropic organisation -- and is sponsored by the Melbourne City Council and Monash Environment Institute. 

Further information on the program and associated community projects is available at www.fel.monash.edu.au/.