The Coal Loader embodies both environmental and social sustainability and is an outstanding example of modern placemaking.
With a living classroom, opportunity to deliver education addressing a wide range of curriculum and an awe inspiring outdoor setting, visiting the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability provides exciting learning opportunities for students from primary right through to tertiary education.
Once an industrial site based 2km from Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Centre is now a beacon of sustainability while still embracing its indigenous and industrial heritage. The Centre’s interactive facilities offer students the chance to learn first-hand how to live sustainably at school and in their homes. A visit to the Coal Loader will hopefully fuel a passion in students to make a positive difference when it comes to sustainability.
A visit to the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability will introduce your students to explore:
- a heritage site with a rich indigenous and industrial history, transformed into a showcase of sustainable technology
- heritage buildings that have been retrofitted to showcase energy and water efficiency
- Indigenous carvings and bush food gardens
- a thriving man-made wetland
- the biodiversity of Balls Head Reserve, including rare and endangered flora and fauna
- sustainable living in action including organic waste recycling, community gardens and chickens
- historic coal-loading equipment from the last century, including the original coal-loading tunnels and wharf
- artists in residence
- a state-of-the-art local government and community facility.
All schools and learning institutions are welcome to visit the Coal Loader to undertake self guided education. The Coal Loader Sustainability Learning Guide for years 5 to 12 has some helpful resources.
Coal Loader Sustainability Learning Guide
Schools are also welcome to register for guided school excursions. This option allows schools to engage a facilitator to guide them through their excursion at the Coal Loader. Excursions are usually broken up into three to four parts and can be tailored to your school. Availability however is limited and schools must apply.
North Sydney schools are able to apply for one free facilitated visit per school each calendar year at no cost.
Schools outside of North Sydney are able to book one day per school per year at no cost (however they will be charged if they choose to include an indigenous component).
Register a school outside of North Sydney
Contact sustainabilityeducation@northsydney.nsw.gov.au for more information.
Tertiary education
Tertiary institutions including university and TAFE groups are can also request guided tours of the Coal Loader to cover topics including industrial history, architecture, adaptive re-use and sustainability and environmental science.
Tertiary groups can also apply to run their own field days onsite.
For enquiries, please contact coalloader@northsydney.nsw.gov.au
