The GoMAD (Go Make A Difference) forum had over 50 high school students from more than 10 schools across the central west converge at the Zoo where they got the chance to speak to experts and develop their ideas.

Students came from Dubbo, Mudgee, Gulgong, Moree and Baradine. 

Students participated in a day of workshops designed to equip the with the inspiration and skills to implement their own environmental project.

This is the second year the GoMAD Challenge has been held in the western region and aims to inspire school students to put their hand up and do something to make the world a better place.

The students heard from a variety of speakers including Taronga Western Plains Zoo, End Extinction International and NSW Environment Education Centres.

Zoo’s Education Officer Rebecca Nielsen said the program is designed to support students to make a difference in their schools and communities by targeting a student identified environmental issue.

“As part of the program students will carry out projects in terms one and three at school creating a documentary and receiving external mentoring support to realise their solution to an environmental problem,” Ms Nielsen said.

GoMAD co-ordinator Jess Menendez said not only will the students develop important life skills, but they’re also doing a real service to the environment.

“They’ll be finding real problems and solving it,” she said.

“The forum is about giving the students inspiration and the tools to be a part of something bigger.

“Everyone can go make a difference, we hope these students help spread the word,” she said.

The students will work on their projects across the year with a GoMAD celebration to be held in September where students will present and share their success and achievements.

The GoMAD Challenge is collaboration between Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Western Region NSW Environmental and Zoo Education Centre (EZECs) and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.