Lalor North Primary School has implemented a series of water-saving initiatives after receiving a $14,000 community grant from Yarra Valley Water.
The school was among 14 successful applicants under the water corporation’s Community Grants Programme, which supports local organisations in developing water efficiency and conservation projects.
The grant funded several upgrades, including a smart irrigation system for the school’s kitchen garden, a pump and hoses for a rainwater tank, a new drinking fountain, and water-efficient taps and fixtures.
Principal Elizabeth Bryan said the initiative had been valuable for both the school and its students. “As a school, we have a strong emphasis on not only operating sustainably but also nurturing a sustainable mindset in our students,” she said.
“The community grant from Yarra Valley Water has helped us with both. In addition to greatly improving our water efficiency, we’ve been able to involve students in the programme and help them learn through it. Student leaders are using the programme to promote water-wise behaviours across the school, and it has strengthened our science and environmental studies curriculum by providing a real-world example of water sustainability.”
Tiffany White, general manager for strategy and community at Yarra Valley Water, said the Community Grants Programme enables schools to turn their sustainability ambitions into practical outcomes.
“Lalor North Primary School is setting a great example by improving water efficiency and engaging students in hands-on learning about sustainable water use,” she said.
“With drying conditions putting pressure on our water supplies, it’s more important than ever to use water wisely. Everyday water-saving habits make a real difference, and when young people understand how valuable water is, they take those lessons into their homes and communities, creating a ripple effect that benefits everyone.”
