Impacts & Benefits

• Engages close to 10,000 P–12 students annually, from more than 100 schools.
• Provides strong educational outcomes, with over 90% of visiting teachers very satisfied and 100% confirming programs meet curriculum requirements.
• Builds university student capability, with more than 30 undergraduate and Honours students employed through EcoCentre programs, alongside Work Integrated Learning and EcoAmbassador opportunities.
• Strengthens community connection to nature, with EcoTours, BioBlitz events and wildlife education increasing awareness of Toohey Forest’s biodiversity.
• Supports biodiversity and environmental stewardship, including habitat restoration, koala conservation, native planting, water-sensitive urban design and citizen science records of local species.

Leadership & Engagement

• Sustained a 25-year cross-sector partnership, built on trust, co-design, shared governance and joint investment between Griffith University and the Queensland Department of Education.
• Created a continuous learning pathway, connecting Prep–12 students with tertiary study, research, community engagement and sustainability careers.
• Used Toohey Forest as a living laboratory, integrating teaching, research, operations and public engagement in a rare remnant urban ecosystem.
• Strengthened teacher and student capability, through professional development, curriculum-aligned field learning, student employment and sustainability projects.
• Expanded engagement through community partnerships, involving local government, conservation groups, community organisations, researchers and environmental practitioners.

Wider Societal Impact

• Improved public understanding of local ecosystems, connecting people of all ages with Toohey Forest’s endangered ecosystems and urban biodiversity.
• Supported environmental literacy at scale, helping young people, teachers and community members build practical knowledge, confidence and stewardship.
• Influenced broader sustainability education practice, including contributing to the design and educational approach of the Karawatha Discovery Centre.
• Created a transferable model for place-based learning, relevant to schools, universities, community organisations, local government and conservation sectors.
• Strengthened community resilience and wellbeing, by making nature-based learning accessible in a rapidly urbanising region and encouraging shared responsibility for local natural assets.