29 September 2005
A program that trains and nurtures future environmental leaders has been initiated by Monash University law student Ms Larissa Brown.
Ms Brown, a first year student who lives in East Melbourne, said the program came about through her desire to build a more sustainable world.
She has teamed up with the Monash Environment Institute to develop the Future Environment Leaders program, which provides Victorian students with the necessary tools for developing a sustainable and healthy environment.
Ms Brown coordinates the eight-month program which is open to Victorian tertiary students and recent graduates. Eighteen students are participating in this year's program.
"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," she said.
It consists of weekly three-hour workshops that are 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', which offers tree plantings to support biodiversity along the Yarra as an alternative to traditional wedding gifts, 'DIY Retrofit' which aims to help owners of older houses make energy-saving home renovations, 'Environmental Leaders for the Future Program' which works in high schools to empower students to make their schools more sustainable and 'Green Gate', which helps renters to make their homes more energy efficient by providing information, support and incentives.
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 the Future Environment Leaders website.
To arrange interviews contact Ms Penny Fannin, Media Communications, on +61 3 9905 5828 or 0417 125 700. Photographs of Larissa Brown are available.
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