Social Action

Care4Coast

During my time in the Big Picture education program, I participated in a term-long project called Care4Coast in 2022, which focused on environmental conservation. The main objective of this project was to remove invasive Bitou Bush from the dunes of Killcare Beach. Bitou Bush, an aggressive species, has long been a threat to the local ecosystem, choking out native plants and destabilizing the natural environment.

Each week, our team worked hands-on to clear large sections of this invasive plant, learning not only the technical aspects of environmental care but also the significance of maintaining biodiversity. This project deepened my awareness of how human actions directly impact nature and the importance of actively engaging in conservation efforts.

Care4Coast taught me perseverance, teamwork, and the value of contributing to a larger cause. By the end of the term, seeing the positive transformation of the beach area was extremely rewarding and reinforced my commitment to community-focused initiatives.

Clean4Shore

I participated in the Clean4Shore project on two occasions, once in 2023 and again in 2024. Each time was a one-day experience focused on cleaning up the Hawkesbury River and its shoreline by picking up rubbish and removing debris caused by recent floods.

In 2023, I worked with a small group of just four students, navigating the river’s edges by boat and collecting whatever trash and debris we could find. It was a rewarding experience, but our small team could only cover so much ground in a single day.

In 2024, I returned to the same project with my school class, this time with a larger group of about eight people. With more hands on deck, we were able to remove significantly more debris than the previous year. The experience not only demonstrated the power of collaboration but also highlighted the ongoing need for such environmental efforts, as the amount of waste we found in just one year’s time was striking.

Both experiences reinforced my understanding of how vital it is to preserve our natural landscapes and the tangible impact that collective action can make.

Year 12 Trivia Night

One of the most memorable social action events I participated in was the School Trivia Night, organized by Year 12 to raise funds for our end-of-year trip to Port Macquarie. The event was filled with lively competition, and my role that evening was to manage two tables. I was responsible for collecting money from the participants and—when teams found themselves stumped by particularly tricky questions—offering subtle hints in exchange for small bribes.

The evening was not only a fun way to engage with fellow students and teachers but also a lesson in negotiation and quick thinking. By the end of the night, the atmosphere was full of laughter, friendly competition, and the satisfaction of knowing we had raised enough funds for our trip. This experience showed me the power of community involvement and how a shared goal can bring people together in creative and enjoyable ways.

Year 12 Port Macquarie SAP Trip

In 2024, I had the opportunity to participate in a week-long social action trip to Port Macquarie. The purpose of the trip was to give back to the community while gaining a deeper understanding of those who are less fortunate. Throughout the week, we worked with various organizations, including the Willing and Able Foundation and the Clontarf Foundation, both of which support people with disabilities and Indigenous youth, respectively. The experience was eye-opening and helped me appreciate the importance of community service and the impact we can make when we come together to help others.

Beyond the community work, the trip also had its fun moments. We spent some time at Stoney Aqua Park, where we enjoyed sessions of water activities, which brought a lot of excitement and laughter to the group. The balance between giving back and bonding through shared fun experiences made the trip incredibly memorable. he combination of contributing to the community, engaging with local organizations, and having fun with my classmates made the trip one of the highlights of my school experience.