In August, Damascus College educator Katrina McMahon was recognised at the City of Ballarat’s 2026 Ballarat Environmental Stewardship Awards, taking out the Community Education and Engagement category.

Katrina was recognised for her leadership in developing the Environment and Lifestyle Project within the College’s St Brendan’s Program, an alternative Year 8 learning experience that takes students beyond the traditional classroom and into the environment and wider community.

A founding member of the St Brendan’s working party, Katrina has been instrumental in shaping the environmental component of the program over the past three years, developing curriculum, sourcing resources and creating hands-on learning opportunities centred on environmental stewardship, sustainability and community connection.

Students learn through practical experiences including biodiversity walks on Mt Warrenheip, citizen science, carbon sequestration, water quality monitoring and caring for an aquaponics system housing approximately 30 rainbow trout. They also learn about circular economy principles through initiatives such as the program’s ‘War on Waste’ activities and food-waste recycling.

Through Katrina’s connection with Friends of Canadian Corridor, students have participated in the Urban Ripple Program, contributing to local environmental restoration by planting more than 1,000 trees to date. Katrina has also introduced students to the importance of restoring native species through the propagation of Murnong daisies, a critically endangered plant that is found on our Mt Clear campus.

The impact of the program extends well beyond environmental education. Students have responded enthusiastically to the opportunity to learn outdoors and through authentic experiences, developing a strong sense of purpose, connection and belonging. The broader St Brendan’s Program has also helped re-engage some students who had previously refused to attend school, providing meaningful opportunities to reconnect with education and build confidence.

One student reflected on their experience: “I enjoyed E and L a lot especially planting my own plant and learning the difference of being alone and feeling lonely. Once again, thank you so much!”

Katrina’s award recognises her passion and dedication to creating meaningful environmental learning experiences, while also celebrating the collective commitment of the St Brendan’s team to empowering students to become compassionate, engaged learners who positively impact the world.

Congratulations Katrina, and the whole St Brendan’s team, on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for inspiring our students to care for their environment, connect with their community and recognise the difference they can make.