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Message AnnualImpactReport2024

AcknowledgementThe ErinEarth community acknowledges Wiradyuri/WiradjuriCountry and the rich heritage of its First Peoples. We honourthe dreaming and abiding relationships with the land – of thefour rivers. We give thanks for the wisdom ofWiradyuri/Wiradjuri Elders, Custodians and KnowledgeKeepers of each generation, including all First Peoples whocall this area home.ErinEarth is committed to walking beside Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander Peoples in their ongoing cause forjustice and fairness in their own land.2

Our Vision Walking Lightlyon the EarthOur PurposeA healed Earth.ErinEarth is a community and a living educational resource, inspiring all to live more lightly onour planet through awareness, connection, learning and actions. Through education we bringabout meaningful and transformative change. Through engagement with ErinEarth, itsgardens, community and programs, people have a sense of awe and wonder, yet understandEarth’s crisis and are inspired to adopt sustainable living practices.Our ValuesCOMMUNITY RESPECT INSPIRATIONSUSTAINABILITY3

Co-foundersErinEarth is concerned with ‘right relationships’ within the complex webof connecting human beings with one another and with plants, animalsand the elements of land, water and atmosphere that form our PlanetEarth.Carmel Wallis pbvmKaye Bryan pbvmOur hope is that ErinEarth will be a place of hospitality, networking,educating and sharing of ideas, beliefs, values and resources concernedwith ecological justice.Quotes taken from the original “Centre” proposal drafted in 1987.4Major BenefactorDespite many challenges, ErinEarth, guided by Pope Francis's Laudato Si’goals, forges ahead with its ministries, drawing our attention to theplight of our planet while also providing spiritual and communalresources for all ages.Margaret Barclay pbvm, Congregation Leader, Presentation Sisters Wagga Wagga (trustee of The Nagle Fund)

ReportKathryn Wallace - Chair2024 marked seven years of ErinEarth asan independent not-for-profit, anopportunity to reflect on our progress andreaffirm our direction. It was a year ofconsolidation, as our strategic planningprocess refined our vision into a clear andpurposeful statement: A Healed Earth.Our education programs grew significantly,reaching more students and schools thanever before. A major highlight was thesuccess of our KHS 7A partnership, whichinspired the launch of our new "Connect toNature" programs. Unlike traditional one-off sessions, these immersive experiencesencourage deeper, more lastingconnections between students and thenatural world. Meanwhile, we expanded communityengagement by complementing our well-loved Open Days with monthly workshops,offering new opportunities for learning andadvocacy. These initiatives reflect ourcommitment to responding to the needsof our times, staying true to the exampleset by our founders in fostering acommunity for Earth awareness,reconnection, and reflection.The extension of our garden boundary wasthe focus of our 2024 infrastructureimprovements. This enabled the buildingof a Stormwater Biofiltration System—amajor sustainability project that nowserves as a demonstration model duringour garden tours. ErinEarth has alwaysbelieved that our garden is our classroom,and this initiative strengthens our ability toshowcase sustainable solutions. Thisproject was made possible through thegenerous support of local businesses andRotary clubs, highlighting the power ofcommunity collaboration.5Building strong relationships remains atthe heart of our work. In 2024, we forgednew partnerships while strengtheningexisting ones. A particularly meaningfulconnection was established with theKapooka Indigenous Army Recruitsprogram, deepening our ties with the localIndigenous community and broadeningour shared commitment to environmentalstewardship.ErinEarth's true strength lies in its people—our passionate staff and dedicatedvolunteers. Ranging in age from 13 to 91,our volunteers bring a wealth of skills, frompruning and propagating to policy writingand governance. Contributions from theseextraordinary people make ErinEarth animpactful community organisation. Wethank our volunteers and are profoundlygrateful for their time, energy, andcommitment. We also acknowledge the Nagle TrustFund, managed by the Presentation Sistersof Wagga Wagga, for their generousfinancial support. Their legacy, along withthat of our founders, remains a guidinglight, a lantern of hope for the future.As we look to 2025, we are poised forgrowth and impact. With theimplementation of our new strategic plan,our focus will be on measuring theeffectiveness of our evolving educationframework and developing strategicfunding priorities to ensure ErinEarth’slong-term sustainability.Together, we look forward to another yearof learning and transformation—for ourcommunity and for A Healed Earth.Board

82School groups visitedWalk in Visitors1,3243,545FestivalsFood for LifeWinter LanternWater for Life265400267WorkshopsBunya BushfoodBike Canteen & Cycling WIthout AgeBiochar demonstrationOutdoor CinemaAussie Bird CountTim Forcey “Electrify” Book Q&A30221112931Volunteerhours contributed6The Yearin ReviewEarly Learning Centres/Community gardens suppliedwith our vegetable seedlings1,14856Communityorganisationcollaborations8Students 434Newsletter subscribersErinEarth wasvolunteer run59%181Native plantspecies inthe garden3,457Social media followersEvents Details Attendeesengaged

Kirsty Cole - ManagerGarden and Leisure Companyvolunteers return, working theirmagic in the gardenLearning all things Bunya pine & nutCollaborations with MurrumbidgeeLandcare, The Bike Canteen &Cycling Without AgeCreation of the Kildare CatholicCollege lunchtime Garden ClubSummer HighlightsStudents experiencing a campfire &making damper for their first timeFirst working bee for the StormwaterBiofiltration systemNAIDOC week walkWelcome to Country at WinterLantern Festival from Board memberBernard HigginsParticipating in National Tree DayGarden volunteering taken off site toassist Pro-PatriaWinter HighlightsDuke of Edinburgh studentvolunteers design the mud pit in thechildren’s play spaceHarvesting of ErinEarth honeyArmy Indigenous DevelopmentProgram volunteers enhancement ofthe garden150 years celebration of thePresentation Sisters Wagga Wagga Autumn HighlightsCommunity planting of ourStormwater Biofiltration systemBeing named as recipient of theWagga Marketplace CommunityKickstart GrantEnergy audit of the house by TimForceyOpening of Kooringal High SchoolYear 7a’s Sustainability TrailArrival of ducklings in the gardenChristmas party includingcelebrating our volunteersSpring Highlights7ReportBefore AfterStormwater Biofiltration Project - Stage 1Kirsty Cole - ManagerManager’s

EducationKate Livio - TeacherKooringal High School ErinEarth provides students with a safe space, natural learning environmentand a sanctuary to escape fromeveryday challenges. Their wellbeing programs have been lifechanging for many of the students whohave visited there. The staff are dedicated, passionate andenthusiastic about creating change anddeveloping rapport for students withvarious life adversities.8 Scan or click here to watch 2024 Year 7a project Kooringal High School ErinEarth education is deep, rich, creative,playful, and unhurried. It is learning throughstorytelling and direct experiences in nature,grounded in our purpose. At ErinEarth we are uniquely placed toprovide something that is not availableelsewhere We offer learners the time and space to develop a sense of connection with, and a sense of place within our garden We shift learners’ thinking from human- centric to Earth-centric, guiding them toward a more intimate relationship with the EarthUsing our garden as the contextwe offer programs within the threeinterrelated elements, with sustainability atthe core: Earth Care, Earth Leadership, EarthWellbeing. Through our programs, we supportvisionaries, dreamers and changemakers towalk a sustainable, hope-filled pathway.

Garden9Scan or click here towatch 2023 NSWEnvironmental Citizenof the Year video Our garden is our classroom - modelingsustainability, honouring cultural values, andinspiring radical hope to take bold stepstoward a better future.ErinEarth is a living story of renewal,demonstrating that restoration andrejuvenation are possible, that a diversity ofplants and animals will return to a place andthrive when given care. Our half-hectare site showcases a waterwisenative plant garden and organic fruit andvegetable growing. It offers opportunities fornature connection, reflection, nature play andexploration. We provide sustainability inspiration for theWagga Wagga community, demonstratingthrough hands-on learning how to grow yourown food, use water and energy wisely, andvalue biodiversity. Jo Glyde - TeacherSt Luke’s Pre-school Erin Earth is not just a learning space for children and educators; it’s a place to ‘be’. In a world where opportunities to connect with nature are dwindling, Erin Earth providesa much-needed sanctuary to appreciate thenatural world and learn how to protect it.Working in such an innovative, nature-focusedsetting has reinvigorated our teaching approach. We value working together to create a world where protecting the environment becomes a natural part of everyday decision-making.

Total IncomeFinances Funding SummaryCURRENT ASSETS LIABILITIESEXPENSES1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024Donations$17,953$8,393Programs$7,228Investment$392,717GrantsCash $362,301 Current Payables $13,749$426,291REVENUESAdministrationEmploymentGrantRepairs & MaintenanceOther$12,287$324,228$6,214$22,271$42,44410In-kind SupportFigures extracted from ErinEarth Limited 2024Financial Statements. Gift Fund audited by John L Bush & Campbell, dated 16 April 2025.

Help11How you canerinearth.org.au It’s wonderful to be part of a group of people who just simply enjoy being out in the open in the garden and doing things together. It is another family for me. We’re doing important things to showcase thesustainability of our Earth. The garden shows what can be done and is also an educational tool … adults and children can learn more about the environment and how to care for it.The garden and the people have helped develop a sense of wonder. Come along and try it, for anyone interested, and see how you enjoy it.admin@erinearth.org.au02 6925 7150EnquiriesThe life you have lived can benefit your localcommunity and the world you leave behind. Leaving a gift to ErinEarth in your will is apromise to future generations that will enablethem to experience the awe and wonder ofour planet and enable us to continue our vitaleducation for years to come. The official gift in wills program will launch in2025.GIFTS IN WILLVOLUNTEERDONATEWe would be excited to hear from you ifyou’re interested in getting involved.Some of the ways you can help are:Joining us on Thursday mornings(9am-12noon) for gardening, generalmaintenance, and other gardenprojects,Assisting with festivals, workshops,or administrative tasks, Sharing your skills and expertise asa consultant or collaborating onspecial projects,Serving as a Director on our Board.We warmly welcome people of allvoices, cultures, nationalities, abilities,and age groups to join our communityof volunteers. The ErinEarth Gift Fund is a public fund,donations are tax deductible. Donationsmade are used solely for working towards achieving the objectives of ErinEarth. Click here to donate 1 Kildare StreetWagga Wagga NSW 2650ABN 89 448 876 41811Lyn Nash -Volunteer

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