18 June 2026
What began as a conversation between sustainability leaders at Belmont City College and Cloverdale Primary School has grown into a community-led effort to restore biodiversity along the shared accessway connecting the two schools.
Cloverdale Primary School and Belmont City College students are working together to restore biodiversity in their area.
For generations, students have enjoyed seeing red-tailed black cockatoos, galahs and corellas gather in the eucalyptus trees preserved when the schools were built.
Now, a new generation is working to protect that legacy.
Inspired by more than a decade of environmental learning through the Waste Sorted Schools program, students from both schools are replacing lawn turf with native trees, shrubs and ground covers to support local wildlife, increase tree canopy, and reduce urban heat.
Thirty students were selected to participate in the Perth Zoo Habitats for Wildlife Program, including 15 science students from Cloverdale Primary School and 15 environmental champions from Belmont City College.
Guided by Perth Zoo education officers, Bec Lim and Emily Collins, students have worked together since early 2026 to identify priority areas, research suitable plant species and develop a planting plan, with older students mentoring their younger peers throughout the process.
Year 6 student, Jackson, said his environmental knowledge has grown throughout the project.
“I know a lot more about the habitats of different animals and the importance of them,” he said.
“I enjoyed feeling I have a bigger purpose and inflicting good things on the environment.”
Year 10 environmental champion, Iya, said the project has made her feel more involved with her community.
Students from both schools are replacing lawn turf with native trees, shrubs and ground covers to support local wildlife.
“I enjoyed being part of a collective group with the primary school students and working towards building a better environment for our community, and especially both schools,” she said.
“Right now, our garden has minimal biodiversity and we hope that the garden will encourage native animals to the area.”
Led by Belmont City College teacher Michelle Sammut, the project has brought together six organisations in a strong example of community collaboration.
“We can only make this possible with the help of many, each organisation plays a pivotal role in supporting our school students to reach their shared goals,” Mrs Sammut said.
The City of Belmont is donating 15 trees, mulch and habitat logs, while Perth Airport, which sponsors the schools' participation in the Habitats for Wildlife Program, will join students on the planting day to discuss biodiversity and conservation.
Murdoch University is supporting the project by working with Belmont City College Year 10 STEM students to install camera traps and monitor wildlife before and after planting, helping measure the project's long-term impact.
Funding for the initiative is through the Let's Grow grant program, which supports small school projects up to $10,000.
Information about the Let’s Grow grant program is available on the WA Government website.