Just when it was thought that local businessman James Murphy couldn’t get any busier, he and his team have come up with a trailblazing competition that will draw participation from schools across Greater Geelong, Bellarine and the Surf Coast.
A huge prize pool of $50,000 is offered by local not-for-profit Southern Ocean Environmental Link (SOEL), in partnership with award-winning business Sea All Dolphin Swims, both founded by James.
Twenty winning schools will receive a fun-filled four-hour interactive incursion where students will learn about plastics and the marine environment, and create useful items from plastic waste.
James notes that marine pollution is one of the largest factors affecting the local coastline.
“A significant amount of plastics is finding its way into our oceans, causing stress to our marine animal friends,” he said. “Scientists think that by 2050 there will be more plastics in the oceans than fish.
“This competition is as much about educating young people on the negative effects of plastics on the marine environment as it is championing their actions and fostering their enthusiasm for a major issue affecting the world today.”
To enter, schools are asked to submit a video outlining why their school deserves to win and what they are currently doing to help create a greener Geelong and Surf Coast.
Established to tackle the escalating problem of plastic pollution on the Bellarine Peninsula’s marine environment, SOEL – a registered not-for-profit organisation – works in collaboration with leading organisations to provide quality programs to educate tomorrow’s leaders about current trends, future implications and how to take responsibility for the place they call home.
SOEL and Sea All Dolphins Swims are wholeheartedly encouraging students and teachers alike to join them on their quest for cleaner seas.
Go to www.soel.org.au/win to find out more.
