Stanley River Environmental Education Centre

06/08/2026

Such a hard day at the office....

01/08/2026

So great to have Kilcoy State High School visit us and spend time exploring their local environment while developing their biology fieldwork skills. It was also fantastic to learn from the students, who generously shared their local knowledge with us along the way!

31/07/2026

Modern life has increasingly separated many young people from the natural environments that have long been central to human health and wellbeing. A growing body of research demonstrates that time spent in nature, meaningful encounters with wildlife, and opportunities to develop a connection with place are associated with improved mental health, reduced stress, greater attention, emotional regulation, and enhanced wellbeing in children, adolescents and adults.

Australia's First Nations peoples have long understood that Country is far more than a physical landscape — it is a living relationship between people, land, waters, plants, animals, culture, and spirituality. While Western science has only more recently begun to measure many of the benefits of nature connection, First Nations knowledge has long recognised the importance of caring for Country and, in turn, being sustained by Country.

As our cities continue to expand, many young people have fewer opportunities to experience healthy natural environments or develop meaningful connections with nature and wildlife. Places such as Stanley River Environmental Education Centre provide far more than an outdoor excursion — they create opportunities for students to reconnect with the natural world, foster environmental stewardship, build resilience, and support positive mental health and wellbeing. In an increasingly urbanised society, ensuring that young people have opportunities to learn on Country is not simply valuable — it is essential.

If you're planning programs for 2027, we'd love to partner with your school. Get in touch to discuss how Stanley River Environmental Education Centre can help your students connect with Country, nature and themselves through authentic outdoor learning experiences.

28/07/2026

🌿 Exciting News! 🌿

We're thrilled to share that Stanley River Environmental Education Centre has been awarded funding through the Port of Brisbane Community Grant Program!

The grant will support students in monitoring water quality and river health from catchment to coast, collecting real scientific data that contributes to a long-term understanding of the health of the Stanley River, Brisbane River, and Moreton Bay.

A huge thank you to the Port of Brisbane for investing in environmental education and helping inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

Congratulations to all the other successful grant recipients making a positive difference across South East Queensland!

Congratulations to the 12 recipients of this year’s Port of Brisbane Community Grants! 🎉👏

From supporting mental health, housing and youth programs to caring for the environment and promoting cultural awareness, these organisations are making a real difference to people and communities across the Bayside, greater Brisbane and out to Somerset Dam.

We're proud and humbled to support the incredible work they do every day to strengthen local communities and create lasting, positive impact.

💙 Thank you to all of the organisations for the important role you play in helping local communities thrive.

Head to our website to see the full list of recipients: https://www.portbris.com.au/w/community-groups-share-in-100-000-port-of-brisbane-community-grant-funding

24/07/2026

🌿🛶Bunya to the Bay 2027 – Applications Now Open! 🛶🌿
Do you know a young person who is ready for an adventure that will challenge, inspire and connect them to Country?
Applications are now open for the 2027 Bunya to the Bay – Young Ambassadors for the Brisbane River program.
Bunya to the Bay is an award-winning educational experience where students journey more than 340 km (in four separate legs and groups) from the source of the Brisbane River to Moreton Bay by walking, cycling and canoeing. Along the way they connect with Elders on Country, explore environmental sustainability, build leadership skills, form lifelong friendships and become River Ambassadors.
We encourage First Nations students and students from all backgrounds who will be in Years 10, 11 or 12 in 2027 to apply. We are looking for young people with a passion for the outdoors, connecting to Country, environmental sustainability and making a positive difference.
📅 Applications close Friday 30 October 2026.
The application form explains the selection process and eligibility requirements. The information flyer and 2025 journey video show what it’s all about.
Application Form�https://stanleyrivereec.eq.edu.au/supportandresources/formsanddocuments/documents/bunya%20to%20the%20bay/river%20ambassador%20application%20form.pdf
2027 Information Flyer�https://stanleyrivereec.eq.edu.au/supportandresources/formsanddocuments/documents/bunya%20to%20the%20bay/b2b%20info%20flyer-2027.pdf
Watch the Bunya to the Bay Journey�https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW2_GrUTX1k&list=PLm6U-72ok4tB2A7Ml8_uyJsZOqQe5pl-E&index=6

Check out the 2025 Bunya to the Bay video. Some amazing footage of ...

14/07/2026

Stanley is back! 🐨

A little while ago, you might remember that Koala Rescue Qld came to Stanley River Environmental Education Centre to rescue a koala we affectionately named Stanley.

After receiving successful treatment and plenty of care, we’re thrilled to share that Stanley returned home over the weekend! He has now been released back into the bush to rejoin the other koalas living in the surrounding habitat.

A huge thank you to the amazing team at Koala Rescue Qld for the incredible work they do rescuing, rehabilitating and returning our native wildlife.

Welcome home, Stanley! We hope to see you enjoying the trees around the centre for many years to come. 💚🌿

04/06/2026

Mornings like these remind us just how lucky we are to work at Stanley River EEC. 🌅💚
From misty waterways to golden sunrises and towering gums, every day begins with a connection to nature and Country.

This week, we’re excited to be sharing these experiences with Chancellor State College, creating opportunities for students to learn, explore, and build lasting memories in the outdoors.

04/06/2026

🌿 The old girl has had a facelift! 🌿

For generations, this building has been at the heart of Stanley River. Long before it became the Stanley River Environmental Education Centre, it served as part of the original Stanley River State School. When the construction of Somerset Dam changed the landscape, the school buildings were relocated up the hill to their current site, where they have continued to educate and inspire ever since.

Over the years, this old girl has seen a lot. School children, teachers, field study groups, environmental investigations, camp adventures, and countless stories shared on Jinibara Country. She has stood through changing times, changing landscapes, and changing generations.

Today, we're excited to reveal her latest chapter: a fresh new Eucalyptus Green paint job. 🌿

Inspired by the gum trees, bushland and natural beauty that surround us here at Stanley River, the new colour reflects our connection to the local environment and our commitment to education for a sustainable future. The refreshed look celebrates both our history and the living landscape that continues to shape who we are.

From humble beginnings as a rural schoolhouse to the welcoming heart of our Environmental Education Centre, this building remains a symbol of learning, community and resilience.

Here's to preserving our history while embracing the future. 💚

03/06/2026

🦎✨ WOW — What an incredible visit! ✨📸

Recently, we had the absolute pleasure of welcoming the amazing students and staff from Milpera State High School back to Stanley River Environmental Education Centre and we loved every minute of it!

Not only do we always enjoy seeing the students engage with our beautiful natural environment, but we were also once again blown away by the incredible talent of Duc Hoang and his breathtaking native wildlife photography. 🐸🦋🐍

Duc generously shared these stunning images captured during the visit, showcasing some of the amazing local wildlife that calls our environment home. His eye for detail and passion for nature truly brings these creatures to life! 🌿💚

A huge thank you to Milpera SHS and Duc for another memorable visit. We already can’t wait to have you back at Stanley River EEC! 🌏✨

23/05/2026

So good to have these Toogoolawah students and staff as a part of our emerging elders camp!