About the Forum

Wheatbelt NRM is currently reviewing the Regional NRM Plan for the Avon River Basin, the region’s key long-term strategy for natural resource management priorities, environmental investment and landscape resilience across the Wheatbelt. The Plan has not been comprehensively updated since 2014.

As part of this review Wheatbelt NRM has identified that previous plans did not engage our youth community and so we have teamed up with Millenium Kids and are working towards facilitating a series of Environmental Youth Forums. Wheatbelt NRM and Millennium Kids are inviting selected school students to participate in a series of Youth Environmental Forums across the Wheatbelt during National Science Week 2026 (August).

Proposed locations and dates include:

  • Southern Cross - Tuesday 18th August
  • Merredin - Thursday 20th August
  • Northam - Tuesday 25th August
  • Lake Grace - Thursday 27th August

These forums are designed to bring together engaged, capable and forward-thinking students with strong interests in science, sustainability, agriculture, conservation, leadership, innovation and environmental stewardship. Each forum will last for approximately 5 hours with catering provided throughout the day. Teachers attending the forum will be eligible to receive a Professional Development certificate following attendance and completion of a short post-event reflection or feedback question.

The forums will provide students with the opportunity to:

  • Contribute directly to regional environmental planning
  • Share their priorities and concerns for the future of the Wheatbelt
  • Engage with environmental leaders, policy makers and media
  • Develop leadership, communication and critical thinking skills
  • Explore practical solutions relating to biodiversity, climate resilience, water, agriculture and sustainability

Next Steps

This Expression of Interest process is intended to help Wheatbelt NRM gauge:

  • School interest across the Wheatbelt
  • Potential student numbers
  • Preferred locations and themes
  • Opportunities for ongoing youth engagement in regional environmental planning
Formal invitations, event dates and detailed programs will be circulated closer to Science Week 2026.
School Details

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* 1. School Name:

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* 2. Town/Suburb

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* 3. School contact person:

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* 4. Position:

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* 5. Email:

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* 6. Phone (optional):

Student Participation

These forums are intended for students who demonstrate genuine interest, leadership potential and engagement in environmental, agricultural, scientific or sustainability-related areas.

We encourage schools to nominate students who:
  • Show initiative and strong participation in school or community activities
  • Have an interest in environmental science, agriculture, sustainability or conservation
  • Demonstrate leadership, curiosity and constructive thinking
  • Would benefit from participation in a high-level regional youth forum environment
  • Are capable of contribution thoughtfully to discussions and collaborative activities.
Examples may include students involved in:

  • Science and STEM extension programs
  • Sustainability committees
  • Student leadership groups
  • Agricultural programs
  • Environmental volunteering
  • Landcare or revegetation projects
  • Community leadership initiatives

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* 7. Approximate number of students your school may wish to nominate:

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* 8. Preferred forum location:

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* 9. Preferred year groups:

School Interest in Future Opportunities

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* 10. Please list any environmental, sustainability, agriculture or science-related student groups, projects or initiatives currently operating at your school e.g.
  • Sustainability Clubs
  • Waste or Recycling Teams
  • School Gardens
  • Bushland Restoration Groups
  • Climate Action Teams
  • Agricultural Programs
  • STEM or Science Extension Projects

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* 11. Which environmental topics are your students most interested in discussing?

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* 12. Would your school be interested in future involvement with:

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* 13. Additional Information

Please include any additional comments, student achievements, special programs or considerations relevant to participation.

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