As part of our commitment to community and culture, the Parramatta Eels have teamed up with Greening Australia’s Cooling the Schools program to deliver a hands-on initiative that’s leaving a lasting impact across Western Sydney.
In the lead-up to Indigenous Round, Eels players and staff have been visiting local schools to plant wattle and other native Australian species alongside students. More than just a planting session, these visits have been an opportunity to connect with young people, share the story behind our Indigenous Round jersey, and highlight the importance of regeneration, both in nature and community.
The Parramatta Wattle, prominently featured in this year’s jersey design, is a powerful symbol of resilience, new life, and growth. By physically planting these natives in schoolyards, we’re helping bring that story to life in a meaningful and tangible way.
Cooling the Schools is an initiative led by Greening Australia and proudly supported by the NSW Government. Since launching in 2020, the program has:
- Planted more than 44,950 trees
- Engaged over 17,940 students
- Delivered 98 cultural education sessions
- Transformed 270 school campuses across Sydney
The program not only provides cooler, greener learning environments for students, but also creates powerful learning opportunities grounded in sustainability and First Nations knowledge.
For the Eels, this collaboration has been part of a broader effort to engage with community in ways that are genuine, educational, and lasting.
The Eels would like to thank Greening Australia and the NSW Government for their continued support. Together, we’re growing something meaningful for our students, our fans, and the future.
