RiverConnect and Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project partnership blossoms to deliver education program

In Summary

RiverConnect and the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project have partnered to deliver the Bees and Blossoms Pollinator Education Sessions for students in Greater Shepparton.
The program will include 18 hands-on education sessions in March and September 2026, facilitated by Australian Native Bee expert Clancy Lester.
The sessions will provide students with opportunities to learn about native pollinators and their role in biodiversity, agriculture and healthy ecosystems.
The initiative builds on a longstanding partnership between RiverConnect and Lighthouse, which works to create meaningful opportunities for young people to connect with the river environment and their local community.

RiverConnect has nurtured a strong and beneficial relationship with Lighthouse for more than a decade, with the connection strengthened in late 2025 when Lighthouse formally joined the RiverConnect Implementation Advisory Committee. This partnership provides opportunities for young people to foster creativity, purpose and resilience in the river environment, further supporting a sense of responsibility and community connection. The Advisory Committee oversees the implementation of the RiverConnect Strategic Plan, identifying links within the relevant organisations, and coordinating various major projects from their organisations’ perspective.

The Bees and Blossoms school program will involve 18 hands-on pollinator education sessions delivered in March and September 2026, facilitated by Australian Native Bee Expert Clancy Lester. These sessions give students the opportunity to learn about native pollinators, understand their role in healthy ecosystems, and the crucial role they play in supporting biodiversity, agriculture and food security.

RiverConnect Implementation Advisory Committee Councillor Representative, Cr Steven Threlfall, McEwen Ward, said the partnership reflects RiverConnect’s commitment to working collaboratively with community organisations.

“There has been fantastic uptake in the program, reflecting the long‑standing partnership between RiverConnect and Lighthouse and our shared commitment to delivering meaningful opportunities for young people across Greater Shepparton."

Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project stands as an innovative changemaker in our region, sharing comparable grassroots values with RiverConnect and demonstrating unwavering perseverance in overcoming barriers for young people as they transition into thriving adults.

Lighthouse Secondary and Transitions Manager and RiverConnect Implementation Advisory Committee Representative, Troy Snelling, said Lighthouse aims to strengthen connections that make our community thrive.

“Partnering with RiverConnect has allowed us to support bringing people, knowledge and opportunities together, assisting young people to have meaningful access to environmental education that grows their understanding and pride in this place we call home,” he said.

Program Facilitator, Clancy Lester, said he was pleased to see local students engaging in outdoor learning.

“In a society disconnected from nature and from each other, it's a great initiative to get people outside and observing their local environment. It's been great to partner with RiverConnect who stand for everything I believe in, and the workshops have been an absolute hit,” he said.

RiverConnect is an agency and community partnership project funded by Greater Shepparton City Council and the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority. Partners include Department of Education, Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation, Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative, Goulburn Murray Landcare Network, Goulburn Valley Environment Group, Parks Victoria, Goulburn Valley Health, Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project, and 5 community representatives.

Greater Shepparton schools wishing to participate can book a free session for September through the RiverConnect online booking form here.

For further information, please call RiverConnect on 5832 9700 or email riverconnect@shepparton.vic.gov.au.