Badger Creek Primary School

Badger Creek Primary School, nestled at the foot of the majestic Mt. Riddell was an obvious choice for our first Torch 4 Wildlife walkathon. The school began as Coranderrk School when William Barak and his Wurundjeri tribe came down from the Acheron and settled nearby. They respected the land and looked upon the mountain as the resting place for Bunjil, the wedge-tailed eagle. 163 years later, the students still respect Bunjil and the large carved Eagle takes pride of place in the learning centre. The proximity to the Healesville Sanctuary has provided a unique opportunity for teachers and students to work closely with the Sanctuary and the school has signed up for the Zoos Victoria 'Fighting Extinction' program.

Together for Wildlife and the Badger Creek Primary School community are joining hands to raise vital funds for two critical conservation efforts: the Healesville Platypus Habitat and Research Project, and Victoria’s critically endangered helmeted honeyeater—one of Australia’s rarest birds, with fewer than 250 remaining in the wild.

This year, the inspiring students of Badger Creek Primary School will lead the way in their cross-country run and walk, proudly carrying the 'Torch For Wildlife'. Alongside them, students will carry 'Zoe', a 55-metre, vibrant crocheted eel. More than just a physical symbol, Zoe honours the deep connection to Country held by the Wurundjeri people, who have long revered 'luk—the eel' that swims through the waters of the Birrarung (Yarra River).

Zoe’s tapestry of many colours represents our diverse community coming together, reflecting the shared responsibility we all carry to protect our precious native species and preserve their habitats for generations to come.