News College
29 October 2025
Over the past two weeks, our Secondary students have engaged with the local community about the proposed MERC Cleanaway waste incinerator. Through classroom discussions, research, and conversations, they explored the environmental, health, and social impacts of the proposal while learning how civic participation can drive positive change.
This learning experience has been a wonderful demonstration of student voice and active citizenship in action. It provided our students with the opportunity to connect their studies to real-world issues, develop persuasive communication skills, and appreciate how respectful advocacy contributes to shaping community outcomes.
Hiba Haq from 9LEAP reflected on her experience:
“I was part of the campaigning events against the Northern incinerator being proposed and found it a very enriching and enlightening experience. My peers and I were advertising and educating people in the community on why we were involved in the campaign. I’m very pleased to say that a considerable amount of people we spoke to had already signed the petition against the incinerator.For those who are unaware of it all, the proposal is a pressing issue in dire need of attention from the general public. Those supporting this idea have failed to consider the extreme implications for residents, both short-term and long-term. Constructing this incinerator threatens public health, safety and sustainability, due to carbon emissions and environmental impacts. Being a bystander is unacceptable as well as ignorant, as the project is not well planned nor evaluated for danger.So, thank you for granting us this opportunity- it has really given us a lot of valuable insights and awareness. And therefore, as a collective effort, we should all say NO! for the sake of future generations before it’s too late!"
“I was part of the campaigning events against the Northern incinerator being proposed and found it a very enriching and enlightening experience. My peers and I were advertising and educating people in the community on why we were involved in the campaign. I’m very pleased to say that a considerable amount of people we spoke to had already signed the petition against the incinerator.
For those who are unaware of it all, the proposal is a pressing issue in dire need of attention from the general public. Those supporting this idea have failed to consider the extreme implications for residents, both short-term and long-term. Constructing this incinerator threatens public health, safety and sustainability, due to carbon emissions and environmental impacts. Being a bystander is unacceptable as well as ignorant, as the project is not well planned nor evaluated for danger.
So, thank you for granting us this opportunity- it has really given us a lot of valuable insights and awareness. And therefore, as a collective effort, we should all say NO! for the sake of future generations before it’s too late!"
We are incredibly proud of the maturity, curiosity, and community spirit our students have displayed throughout this process. Their thoughtful engagement reflects Â鶹´«Ã½ College’s commitment to nurturing young people who are informed, responsible, and compassionate contributors to society.