In a landmark collaboration to coincide with National Tree Day, Stockland and national youth organisation Co-Exist Australia have launched the innovative Schools Forest Project at Aura.
Stockland is investing more than $100,000 over two years to support the pilot program inviting Aura’s four schools and two early learning centres to participate in hands-on tree planting and environmental education.
In addition to tree planting, the program will see students from Baringa State Primary and Secondary Schools, Nirimba State Primary and Secondary Schools, and two local Goodstart Early Learning centres have access to free education sessions, co-designed with local teachers and covering themes such as sustainability, science and nature play.
Stockland Development Director, Josh Sondergeld, said the initiative offers the flexibility to tailor learning for different ages and interests, giving Aura’s young residents the opportunity to help shape the broader community.
“As the Aura community continues to grow, we are encouraging students of all ages to be part of driving positive change and helping to create a more connected and sustainable future for Aura,” Mr Sondergeld said.
“The community will see the first trees in the ground during the September school holidays, with a community tree planting event to launch the program. Three tree-planting days are planned annually, supported by Stockland’s environmental partner Evolve, who will provide ongoing site management and restoration across eight hectares of designated land with a 400 hectare environmental protection zone.”
Kurt Jones, CEO and founder of Co-Exist Australia, said the enthusiasm from Aura’s schools and families has been inspiring, as the program creates new opportunities for young people to connect with their environment and lead the way in sustainability.
“Planting trees should mean more than just environmental restoration – it’s a way to help young people build meaningful connections with the world around them, learn new skills, and to take the lead in their own community,” Mr Jones said.
“Our goal is not just to deliver a project, but to empower children and teens in Aura to shape the future of their landscape. This is about curiosity, connection, and leadership – from the classroom to the canopy.”
While the planting site is not currently open to the public outside of scheduled program events, future walking trails connecting Baringa and Nirimba will be designed to show the evolving landscape shaped by the students and families of Aura.
The program is currently exclusive to Aura schools, but other Sunshine Coast schools can register their interest at www.coexistaus.org.
More information on the Aura community can be found at: https://www.stockland.com.au/residential/qld/aura
About Aura
Aura is Australia’s largest masterplanned community and is currently home to more than 10,000 residents. On completion, Aura is designed to have over 200 kilometres of walking paths and cycling veloways, connecting the community and encouraging residents to live active and healthy lifestyles. There are plans for a Central Park, a 120-hectare regional park, 10 sporting grounds as well as parks and playgrounds within 400m walking distance of every home, linking residential areas to local employment precincts, schools, the city centre and local neighbourhood retail centres.
