Sustainability
In a Sunshine Coast first, Aura’s youngest residents are getting their hands dirty to shape the future of their neighbourhood – one tree at a time.
Stockland has joined forces with national youth organisation Co-Exist Australia to deliver the Schools Forest Project, a two-year pilot that invites four local schools and two early learning centres to be part of a unique environmental journey. More than a tree-planting initiative, the project empowers Aura’s children and teens to take the lead in restoring and reimagining their natural surroundings.
Students from Baringa State Primary and Secondary Schools, Nirimba State Primary and Secondary Schools, along with two Goodstart Early Learning centres, will be involved in practical environmental education sessions co-designed with local teachers. The curriculum incorporates sustainability, science, and nature play, ensuring activities are tailored to suit different ages and interests while encouraging learning outside the classroom.
Stockland Development Director Josh Sondergeld said the program was designed to strengthen young people’s connection to nature and give them an active role in shaping the future of Aura.
“As the Aura community continues to grow, we’re encouraging students of all ages to drive positive change and contribute to a more connected, sustainable future,” he said.
The program will feature three planting days each year for the next two years, beginning during the September school holidays. A community planting event will mark the official launch, with Stockland’s environmental partner, Evolve, overseeing ongoing care of eight hectares within Aura’s 400-hectare environmental protection zone.
The initiative is being delivered by a dedicated team including Louise Court and Kurt Jones from Co-Exist, Charlotte Buckley and Peter Crabb from Stockland, and Steven Bell from Evolve.
Co-Exist Australia CEO and founder Kurt Jones said the response from families and schools has been remarkable.
“Planting trees is about more than restoring the environment – it’s a chance for young people to build lasting connections with nature, develop new skills, and play a leading role in their own community,” Kurt said.
“Our vision goes beyond delivering a project; it’s about empowering Aura’s children and teenagers to shape the future of their landscape through curiosity, connection, and leadership – from the classroom right up to the canopy.”
Although the tree planting site is not yet open to the public, planning has already begun for future walking trails to link Baringa and Nirimba, giving residents the opportunity to explore the growing landscape.
From the classroom to the outdoors, the Schools Forest Project is another step towards building a greener, more connected Aura for generations to come.
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