Growth Amid Change: Institutionalisation and Rationalisation
摘要
This chapter examines the development of environmental and sustainability education (ESE) and field studies centres (FSC)/environmental education centres (EECs) in NSW during the 1980s and 1990s. ESE/FSC support was impacted by institutionalisation, privatisation, political changes, rationalisation, and educational reforms—the neoliberal turn. Political actions supporting Shortland Wetlands and Field of Mars FSCs lifted the embargo on FSC establishment and teaching capacity. The EE Curriculum Statement K-12 and FSC/EEC policies evolve and new FSCs are created—Cascade, Warambungles, Riverina, Observatory Hill, Rumbalara, Kamay Botany Bay, and Illawarra. Although a parliamentary EE bill failed, compromise led to the establishment of an EE unit within the NSW Department of Education, a review of EE in government schools, and a commitment to reviewing EE teacher education standards. Local advocacy resulted in the creation of Red Hill FSC and Penrith Lakes EEC. Rationalisation led to Wirrimbirra relocating and becoming Wooglemai FSC. Annexes became Camden Park and Georges River EECs. Toronga and Western Plains Zoos’ education centres were integrated into the FSC/EEC network, forming the Environmental and Zoo Education Network (EZEC). EE advocacy weakened and founding groups dissolved while national and state process proceeds—shifting toward sustainability. Hindsight reveals ESE trends and themes echoed in the global West.