The latest round of the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program offering primary schools and early learning centres across Australia $1 million in grants has officially opened.

Woolworths and Landcare Australia are calling on all Aussie primary schools and early learning centres to apply for a grant of up to $1,000 to help them develop projects focused on sustainability and inspiring students to play an active role in the future of their natural environment.

This could include growing veggie or bush tucker gardens, creating compost for school gardening beds, setting up nest boxes or creating habitats to protect native wildlife.

After launching the program in 2018, the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program, in partnership with Landcare Australia, has supported over 3,814 school groups with more than $4 million in funding to help kids all across the country get hands-on with nature.

Through its Junior Landcare program, Landcare Australia has also worked closely with First Nations educator and Wiradjuri man Adam Shipp to develop environmental learning activities for educators and children to learn more about how they can have a connection to Country.

“As a proud Wiradjuri man, I believe it is extremely important that environmental-based organisations recognise and work with First Nations groups,” said Shipp.

“By teaching younger generations about traditional ways of caring for Country, we can deepen knowledge of and respect for First Nations culture and practices. I look forward to seeing how students and teachers use the new Junior Landcare resources.”

New activities are available online at Junior Landcare’s Learning Centre, ranging from exploring First Nations weather knowledge to creating an Indigenous plant use garden and exploring a First Nations peoples’ languages map.

“The Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program is all about supporting fun and engaging learning experiences that can help younger generations connect with natural environments,” said Andrew Hicks, Woolworths Group Chief Marketing Office.

Related: 1,600 Australian primary schools, early learning centres to receive $2M in grants

“Over the years, we’ve seen lots of creativity from schools and early learning centres looking to explore sustainability in action, and we can’t wait to see more of these ideas brought to life through this year’s program.

Hicks highlighted that Woolworths group is excited about the new learning activities designed to help bring First Nations perspectives into the home and classroom, emphasising that these activities will highlight the invaluable perspectives and experiences of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community on the journey to creating more sustainable experiences for a better tomorrow.

“Junior Landcare has always recognised the vital role children play in taking care of the natural environment and, thanks to the 2023 Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program, we look forward to seeing even more children have the opportunity to take on this role,” said Dr Shane Norrish, Landcare Australia CEO.

“Moreover, as we continue to grow the number of First Nations perspectives resources on the Junior Landcare Learning Centre, we are thrilled to be able to support children and educators in building their knowledge of Traditional Land Management and Cultural Heritage when it comes to caring for our land and water.”

Applications for the 2023 Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants are open now and close on March 17, 2023.

To find out more about the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants Program and to apply, visit junior landcare.org.au.