Despite an extremely wet start to spring the weather turned it on last Thursday at the Mudgee Showground, just in time for Green Day!

Green Day, now in it's 8^th year, provides a fun, hands-on learning experience for approximately 650 students from 19 primary schools in the Mid-Western Regional Council region. Students have the opportunity to learn about various environmental topics and how they can make positive changes to the way they live.

Each year Green Day has a different theme, and a special guest presenter. This year’s theme ‘Healthy Minds, Healthy Environments’ focused on making the link between the health of people, and the health of the environment. It also aimed to increase the capacity and resilience of young people in engaging with the environment and their community.

Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett of Orange Sky Laundry were this year's keynote speakers. Mr Marchesi and Mr Patchett were named the 2016 Young Australian’s of the Year for establishing the first ever mobile laundry service for the homeless.

Their presentation focused on the impact individuals can have on their communities and the lives of others and that 'little ideas' can have powerful outcomes.

The students also participated in sensory activities and laughing yoga, drumming and juggling workshops. Environmental themed workshops included tree planting, the water cycle and minimising waste.

The health theme even extended into lunch, with students making salads which they had on their sandwitches.

Students also got their creative juices flowing, participating in art workshops and making a collaborative sculpture which will be exhibited at Rosby's Sculptures in the Garden this weekend.

On conclusion of the day's activities Green Day Co-ordinator, Vivian Howard, encouraged the students to consider the well being of others and challenged them to give 10 compliments in the week following Green Day.

Green Day is the biggest event on the Watershed Landcare callendar and wouldn't be possible without the help and support of our sponsors, presenters and volunteers. Watershed Landcare would like to extend their thanks to the presenters and volunteers, Mid-Western Regional Council, Peabody Energy, Yancoal, Local Land Services Central Tablelands and Country Women’s Association – Mudgee Evening Branch for their assistance with this year's event.

Barring a few minor hiccups, due to the last minute implementation of the wet weather plan and our keynote speakers being delayed in Sydney because of the fog, the event was a great success.

This event is supported by Watershed Landcare and is part of the NSW Government’s Local Landcare Coordinators Initiative, supported through the partnership of Local Land Services and Landcare NSW.