27 February 2025
The region’s next generation of waste warriors came together recently for Southern Downs Regional Council’s inaugural Youth Waste Conference to drive action and inspire new ideas in sustainable waste reduction.
Sixteen students from Dalveen State School, St Joseph’s School and Warwick State High School attended the forum, where they networked with peers, shared practical steps implemented at their schools to reduce waste and workshopped new ways to divert waste from landfill.
Portfolio Councillor for Healthy Communities Cr Sarah Deane said the students’ enthusiasm reflected the growing role young people are playing in driving smarter waste practices across the region.
“By championing smarter waste practices, these students are emerging as key leaders in the region’s push toward sustainable waste solutions,” Cr Deane said.
“Their ideas and actions are having real impact in how their schools and communities approach waste.
“Their commitment, creativity and willingness to take action are shaping a cleaner, smarter, more sustainable Southern Downs.”
Council’s Waste Education Mascot Sort-It Sally applauded the students’ participation in the forum.
“I’m so proud of these students for rolling up their sleeves and championing the waste reduction movement,” Sort It Sally said.
“These students are showing that you don’t have to be big to make a big difference.
“Every small action they take helps create a cleaner, greener future for our region and their enthusiasm and ideas are exactly what we need to keep waste out of landfill.”
At the forum, each school presented their waste management plan, outlining initiatives such as recycling systems, composting programs, creative reuse practices and student led awareness campaigns.
Warwick State High School student Izzy Sanders said attending the forum was both motivating and eye opening.
“It was really inspiring to see what other schools are doing and we picked up new ideas we can take back to our own school to help reduce waste,” Izzy said.
Following the morning session, students visited the Warwick Waste Management Facility for a special behind-the-scenes tour to see first-hand how waste is sorted and processed. The tour also included a visit to the Endeavour Foundation Tip Shop where students learned how recovered items are repurposed and reused.
“Seeing how the waste facility works also made me realise how much of a difference small changes can make, and it’s motivated us to do even more at school,” Izzy said.
The attending schools each participate in Council’s Let’s Sort It Out program, which requires them to develop a tailored waste management plan that outlines the initiatives they will implement to reduce waste and strengthen sustainability across their school community.
Last edited date 27 Feb 2026