Newsletter - Spring Edition - SERCUL

SERCUL HappeningsSchool gardenertrainingSERCUL joined forces with the Water Corporation andChallenger Institute of Technology to launch a newtraining program for school gardeners in April 2013.The School Gardener Waterwise Training Course isspecifically tailored for a school ground environmentand covers a general understanding of water wiseand fertilise wise best practice as applied within thehorticultural and landscaping industries. The courseprovides training in efficient water managementtechniques to improve an understanding of the role thatsoils, plant selection, sustainable fertiliser programs,best practice mulching, improving irrigation efficiencythrough improved knowledge of hydro zoning, irrigationscheduling, irrigation system maintenance and the rolethey play in improving turf and garden quality. Thetwo-day course includes nationally-recognised unitsof competency which can be used as credits towardsfurther study.Four training courses have been held since the launchin April with 64 school gardeners attending from publicand private schools around Perth and the South West.One participant said about the training “I learnt a lotabout soils, fertilisers and irrigation. The class wasmost valuable.”There is one upcoming course in the later half of 2013with more planned for 2014:South West8th and 9th October 20138 am – 4 pmGlen Huon Primary School, EatonTo register, go to:www.shortcourses.challenger.wa.edu.auor call 1300 300 252.Further information can be obtained fromJohn Forrest by email:John.Forrest@challenger.wa.edu.au or fromwww.fertilisewise.com.au/for-turf-managers.htmlScent of ScienceCommunity ExpoThe annual Scent of Science Community Science andSustainability Expo at the Canning River Eco Education Centre wason again this year.This was a truly magnificent day to explore the smells in scienceand nature (animals, plants, humans and the earth) led by sciencepresenters, prominent Indigenous Educators and researchers.On Sunday, 18th August 2500people listened to guest speakers,participated in fun activities, enjoyedanimal encounters, watched Scitechshows, participated in Aboriginalcultural activities, watched amazingBMX displays and participated indrumming! There were interactivedisplays, smelly activities, a Little The BMX stunt showGreen Steps celebration, kidsactivities, free native plants and plenty of other giveaways.The Great Gardens team came along again this year with SustainableGardening Workshops and their amazing demonstration garden.The winners of the Youth Competition – Design a Logo were alsounveiled after many hours of sortingthrough more than 300 entries.Congratulations goes to IsabellaTennent from St Emilie’s CatholicPrimary School, who was the overallwinner. There were also nine yearlevel category winners and threehighly commended prizes awardedon the day.The Science Expo was organisedby the Australian Association forEnvironmental Education WA,Canning River Eco Education Centre,City of Canning, SERCUL and LittleGreen Steps. A huge thanks mustalso go to the wonderful majorsponsors who this year includedSGIO, Swan River Trust, NationalScience Week Committee (InspiringAustralia) and Great Gardens.Lyn Russell, CEO City ofCanning with Isabella Tennentand her winning logoJohn Forrest training school gardeners.Activities and displays at the annual Science Expo6