GORCC’s educational efforts awarded

THE Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) has received a plaudit for its work in spreading knowledge about protecting the marine environment.

The committee was declared the winner in the Education category in this year’s Victorian Coastal Awards for its “Great Ocean Road Coastal Education – the next generation of coastal protectors” program.

Judges noted that the coast along the Great Ocean Road is threatened by erosion, rubbish, weeds, lack of biodiversity, and increasing population pressures.

“The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee believe that education is the key to sustaining this iconic coastline, and since 2010 have been conducting free activities to engage people from all over Victoria in hands on coastal natural resource management and conservation.

“This successful, highly regarded education program promotes lifelong stewardship of the coast, fostering a culture of environmental advocacy and action through partnerships with local and visiting schools, agencies, campers and broader community.

“As a self-financing, not-for-profit organisation, these education programs are funded by the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee’s commercial operations, which include caravan parks at Anglesea, Torquay and Lorne.

“In 2016-17, GORCC invested $275,000 in its free environment and education programs, with no shortage of schools wanting to become involved.

“The program has grown significantly, delivering sessions for a range of ages, topics, curriculum outcomes and audiences.”

The awards attracted 55 nominations in seven categories, and drew more than 220 guests from volunteer groups, committees of management, non-governmental organisations and state agencies to the presentation ceremony recently held in St Kilda.