What Happens in Drought?" - Schools Pilot Program

"What Happens in Drought?" - Schools Pilot Program

The Gecko Clan Landcare Network has received funding through the Future Drought Fund's Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative - Community Impact Program to develop and produce a pilot education program for secondary school students on the impacts of drought and family mental health. The education program will be developed and delivered by June 2025, reaching schools in three local government areas.

Regional youth are disproportionately affected by extreme events associated with a changing climate when compared to their metropolitan cohorts. This program will provide rural students with the language, information and agency to participate and support their communities during times of drought, and become active participants in the discussion, and potentially the action, surrounding drought adaptation and preparation within their communities.

Aiming to build drought and climate change awareness and resilience at the community level, Gecko Clan will engage with community members and industry professionals throughout the development phase of the program to ensure the program is holistic in content, including topics on indigenous culture, natural resources and mental health in the rural setting.

This project is supported by FRRR, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.