EcoMarines offers a free primary program for schools based in Queensland. We focus on restoring waterways from our mighty inland rivers to our magnificent coastal waters and protecting their eco-systems and the wildlife that depend on them.
Each school appoints an EcoMarines teacher and four student ambassadors to lead environmental projects and activities within the school and local environment.
We provide resources to inspire the ambassadors to run engaging initiatives within the school and community.
There are also opportunities for ambassadors and teachers to attend events and to network with other schools and community members.
To learn more about the great efforts of our schools, you can download a copy of our latest yearbook below.
"Through participation in this program I have seen my students grow both socially and academically and engage with the world around them. They have become environmentally aware, socially responsible and have grown in confidence. I would highly recommend this program to other schools."
Dawn Clark, Teacher at Park Lake State School
Queensland primary and secondary schools joining our program will need a teacher who is passionate about the environment to oversee the program and weekly meetings.
We provide support, online resources, activities, events, and templates.
Appoint 4 students who are passionate about the environment and want to make a difference. This works best with students from grades 4 to 6. The program is flexible and works differently in many schools… we can help you decide what is right for your school.
Most schools include other interested students as ‘support crew’ who attend the weekly meetings and help to run projects and activities.
If you are undertaking the Orientation Program, you can select your 4 ambassadors in Term 4, so they are ready to start to full program in the new school year.
Once the ambassadors are appointed, we would love to meet them! We attend a workshop meeting to help the Support Crew Teacher/s and ambassadors to plan the year ahead.
If a school is participating in the program for the first time, we can present EcoMarines ambassadors with their shirts at assembly.
You will be given access to a kit with:
We host 4 events throughout the year to encourage networking and knowledge sharing.
Two school day events coordinated with teachers:
Two community weekend events organised directly with parents for EcoMarines families, students, and teachers:
None of our events are mandatory, but you won’t want to miss them!
Good work, team! Our program runs throughout each school year… and then we do it all over again.
Schools appoint new ambassadors each year, which helps with continuity, long term behaviour change and successful projects that build on the previous years’ efforts.
We organise 4 events throughout the year to build our community. Two are on school days (organised through the school) and the others are on weekends (organised directly with parents).
None of our events are mandatory, but you won’t want to miss them!
Date: Early Term 2
Who: 1 x teacher and 4 x ambassadors
Where: Tangalooma Island Resort
All EcoMarines schools go to Moreton Island to meet each other, share ideas, learn about our environment and plan activities to do throughout the year!
Date: Middle Term 4
Who: Principals, Teachers, ambassadors, support crew, sponsors, media and dignitaries
Where: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
The Wave is our big end of year celebration to recognize the amazing work our EcoMarine schools do to protects our marine wildlife and environments!
Date: Weekend in July/August
Who: Teachers, ambassadors, support crew and their families
Where: SEQ region
Our Care 4 Country event is part of the Quandamooka Festival celebrating the Aboriginal culture, country and people of Moreton Bay. Attendees meet Aboriginal elders, create artwork and participate in traditional story telling and ceremonies.
Date: Weekend in March on National Clean Up Australia Day
Who: Teachers, ambassadors and their families (numbers limited)
Where: Locations vary year to year
We hold a Clean Up Australia Day event to reduce the amount of litter ending up in our waterways! Ambassadors, teachers, support crew and family are invited to attend. The event will include a litter collection, presentations and workshops.
Tangalooma EcoMarines Foundation Ltd is a registered Charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) and has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR1) status with the Australian Tax Office (ABN 40 168 034 008). All eligible donations are tax-deductible.