By Jena Carr
A Bellarine program that inspires students to help care for the environment and people around them will receive funding for new camera equipment.
Farm My School was named the winner of the 2024 Canon Oceania Grants Program’s education category and received a $5000 grant comprising $2500 in cash and $2500 in Canon products.
Co-founder and director James McLennan said the grant allowed the not-for-profit to expand its community engagement, climate resilience, and education.
“Having this extraordinary equipment from Canon means that we can get really good quality videography and photography,” he said
“There’s a lot that we’re doing as a part of our journey with Bellarine Secondary College and Farm My School in general that we probably haven’t captured to date as well as we could have.
“We’ve just ordered our camera, a couple of lenses, and some microphones. So, we’ll be able to get some really good footage, both stills and video footage, of the farm and different events we do.”
Canon Oceania managing director Kotaro Fukushima said the program’s winners were positively impacting communities across the country.
“We’re committed to closing the technology divide, empowering more Australians to share their stories, connect with others, and build essential skills,” he said.
“By providing these organisations with the technology and resources they need, we aim to inspire greater progress and strengthen connections throughout the country.”
The Canon grant builds on Barwon Water’s funding, including $15000 in 2022 and $25000 in 2023/24.
“The Farm My School program is a fantastic way for students to reconnect with the land and water that helps to grow their food,” Barwon Water education advisor Fernando Garcia said.
“By being involved in planting, tending to, and harvesting crops, students develop a deeper connection to the food they eat and the environment it comes from.”
