Counting wallabies as part of an ecological survey one day to learning how to grow food locally to reduce food miles the next, the Green Futures Now program aims to show young people aged 12-25 the wide range of ways they can help the environment locally and globally.
Coordinated by the Warrnambool City Council, the program introduces members to an array of environmental projects and activities taking place in the region, with the group then tasked with developing their own green idea.
Registrations for the 2024 program are now open, with previous participant Sierrah Chuck encouraging young people with an interest in the environment to sign up.
After taking part in the 2023 Green Futures Now program, Sierrah now wants to work in government to address climate issues.
"I was always passionate about it but I didn't think that I could do it as a career," she said.
"As I did Green Futures Now I realised that there's a career and that I can do it and that it's actually a viable option for me.
"I think if you're passionate about the environment then it's such a good opportunity to get involved with because I learnt so much and I met so many people that I got to learn from and that I got the opportunity to help out.
Last year's group developed the idea for a winter clothing drive in partnership with the Salvation Army to help almost 200kg of clothing find a new home.
"I loved being a part of the group project because we got to put our ideas out there and workshop them and come up with something that we all agreed on and then we actually put it into action. It was so amazing that we got the opportunity to do that.
"I also got to learn what I can do personally to help the environment in my backyard, and also bigger things."
In 2024, participants will learn from Colleen Hughson from Beach Patrol, Ben Pohlner from Volcano Produce - Tower Hill, Tania Maloney from Nurture in Nature, Emily Reeves from Agency International and artist Emma Stenhouse.
Green Futures Now is funded by the Victorian State Government through Engage and is kindly supported by the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority through funding provided by the State Government's Our Catchments Our Communities Program.
Registrations close on Wednesday April 17.
