St Columba College in the northern suburb of Andrews Farm might seem a long way from the Adelaide Park Lands, but that has not stopped students Alexa, Emily, and Olivia from putting together a petition for their protection.
As part of their Stage 1 Society and Culture studies, the students collected sixty-eight signatures supporting the protection and preservation of the Park Lands as a place accessible to everyone.
Emily, Alexa and Olivia - St Columba College
We asked them what prompted the project.
“Our teacher actually chose it for the unit!” they explained. “She chose it because it is an emerging social issue” and could still be an issue when they reach voting age. Their teacher also lives in the city and was already interested in what was happening.
The students chose a petition because they wanted to start conversations. They felt a poster, advertisement or speech would not get the word around their school as effectively as talking directly with other students and sharing what they had learnt.
Many students were unaware of the threats to the Park Lands but were interested and willing to sign once they heard more.
One conversation with a Year 11 student stood out.
“Wait, for a golf course? I don’t know if I want to sign it. I love golf,” he said.
One of the students explained the concerns about animals, trees, and greenery, drawing on what they had learnt in class.
“He ended up signing the petition, and we walked off successful.”
For Alexa, Emily, and Olivia, living in the northern suburbs does not make the Park Lands any less important.
“To us, the Park Lands represent our future, nature, community, and history.”
They see the parks as shared spaces that bring people together, whether they live in the city, the northern suburbs or elsewhere in Australia. The wildlife is a particular connection.
“All the lively energy and seeing the natural species is incredibly important to us.”
Their message to decisionmakers is straightforward: cities need to develop and change, but protecting nature, wildlife and green spaces must remain a priority.
“I would also encourage [decisionmakers] to listen to the young people as we are the generation that inherits these spaces as we grow.”
The students have forwarded their petition to the Adelaide Park Lands Association and hope it will reach those responsible for decisions about the parks.
“We are proud to have collected 68 signatures, because it shows that people are willing to support something we care about.”
They also hope to keep spreading awareness through their school and this article, encouraging others to get involved.
“I have learned that us as a group can make a difference, especially when branching out to others.” Alexa said.
