More than 370 students from 14 schools across the Mornington Peninsula and beyond will gather for the eighth annual Kids Teaching Kids youth leadership conference at Point Nepean National Park this week.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Lily D’Ambrosio said Kids Teaching Kids Week was a fantastic opportunity for young people across Australia to learn from one another and lead change for environmental challenges, while contributing to local and national issues and concerns.

Primary and secondary schools have been preparing for months with the help of ranger mentors from Parks Victoria to present to their peers on challenges and opportunities facing culture, conservation and community.

The student led environmental conference inspires action and collective responsibility through workshops and presentations against a backdrop of the historic Quarantine Station.

The war on waste and future health of our natural resources will be put under the microscope, as will climate change, local bushfire preparedness and endangered species.

Presentations will include:

• Tootgarook Primary School exploring the techniques and importance of local bushfire management and preparedness
• Boneo Primary School inspiring their peers to ‘Choose to Refuse’
• St Joseph’s Primary School unveiling the secrets of the Burrunan Dolphin a species unique to Port Phillip
• Bittern Primary School looking at the threat to endangered species caused by habitat destruction
• St Macartan’s Primary School challenging thinking around carbon impacts and climate change.

Kids Teaching Kids week is presented by Parks Victoria with support from the national Kids Teaching Kids Week organisers. The Point Nepean National Park day will also feature a series of interactive walk and talks with Park Rangers as they share their knowledge and connect the students with nature.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Kids Teaching Kids is a tangible way for kids to connect with their local environment, helping the next generation understand how global issues impact special places like our national parks and waterways.”

“It’s great to see the passion and wisdom of our young people during Kids Teaching Kids Week – future environmental leaders in the making.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Nepean Chris Brayne

“Point Nepean National Park is a beautiful part of Victoria and the perfect backdrop for Kids Teaching Kids Week.”

“What better way to help young people learn more about the environmental and conservation than here in such a beautiful natural landscape.”