The motivation behind Waverley College’s first-ever Ecology Symposium on Thursday, 31 October was to amplify students’ voices, helping them recognise the importance of sustainability and empowering them to drive tangible change.
“In a dynamic gathering aimed at fostering environmental awareness and advocacy, students took centre-stage to discuss key ecological issues and share solutions for a sustainable future,” says Waverley College’s Ecology Coordinator Silvia Baylie.
“The event brought together students, educators, environmental experts and community members, all united by a commitment to empowering youth voices in the global environmental conversation.”
This year’s symposium highlighted two themes, ‘Traditional Custodians living harmoniously with our land, sea and sky’ and ’empowering students to use their voice’, featuring guest speakers, a student-led presentation, literary workshop and advocacy email writing.
The quest for environmental justice
Baylie told EducationDaily that the topics ranged “from climate change impacts and conservation strategies to sustainable living practices and environmental justice”.
“Each session was designed to provide students with a platform to explore real-world issues, present innovative ideas, and propose actionable steps toward environmental sustainability,” she says.
The event brought more than 70 students from various schools across New South Wales together and encouraged them to learn from Indigenous traditions and take direct action through letter-writing campaigns addressed to corporations and government representatives.
A Smoking Ceremony and Acknowledgement of Country by Uncle Dean Kelly was followed by a keynote address from Waverley Principal Graham Leddie.
Kelly also delivered an insightful presentation covering the relationship between First Nations people, the land, and the sea, with a firm focus on what communities can do to better protect our environment by drawing on the wisdom of Indigenous practices.
Geoff Lui from the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Environmental Histories also provided students and educators present with a deeper understanding of how Torres Strait Islanders have historically lived in harmony with nature, as well as sharing current research initiatives aimed at preserving these sustainable practices.
Other notable speakers include TV presenter and Waverley College alumni Costa Georgiadis, along with Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Marjorie O’Neill, MP, who heard students read excerpts from their letters, showcasing their commitment to positive environmental action. Another MP, Allegra Spender, then spoke about the challenges facing policymakers in combating climate change.
A key purpose of the event was to spark meaningful discussions around sustainability, First Nations knowledge, and the critical role students can play in addressing global environmental challenges.
Baylie emphasised the importance of student involvement in the symposium:
“By learning from Traditional Custodians and engaging directly with government and corporate leaders, students will be empowered to influence real change in their communities,” she says.
Participating schools included:
- St Catherine’s School
- Rose Bay Secondary
- St Patrick’s College Strathfield
- St Edwards College
- St Pius X
- Edmund Rice College, Wollongong
- Moriah College
- St Clare’s College
- Holy Spirit College, Bellambi
- Christian Brothers Lewisham
Eye-opening inspiration to take action
For student Filippo Pierce, who has attended similar symposiums hosted by other schools, the event was “one of the most inspiring and eye-opening”.
Other student attendees described it as ” an incredible way to meet like-minded students, collaborate and fight for our world”, saying, “it was so interesting to hear about the environment from the perspective of First Nations people” and “I learned so much about how I can contribute to a healthier planet, and I feel empowered to make a difference”.
It’s feedback that event organiser Baylie is happy to hear.
“Through initiatives like the Ecology Symposium, Waverley College aims to equip our youths with the skills and confidence to become informed, proactive global citizens,” she says.
Founded 120 years ago in 1903, Waverley College – in Sydney’s eastern suburbs – is a private Catholic school for boys from years five to 12 and promotes itself as providing its diverse student community with ‘a rich learning environment and real-world experience to learn from each other and to value and appreciate difference’.
“You are our future leaders and changemakers,” MP Spender told the audience in her speech at the event, adding that the young people should feel motivated to “use your voice because politicians need you to back us”.
“Events like this symposium give our students an incredible opportunity to share their insights, make connections, and gain the confidence they need to make a real impact in the world.”
