Premier’s Sustainability Awards now open with new category

Victoria’s leading sustainability awards program, the Premier’s Sustainability Awards, are now open for entries, featuring a new category, that celebrates the outstanding contribution made by volunteers.

This year, the new Environmental Volunteering category recognises the impact made by thousands of dedicated individuals and groups who give their time so generously, looking after our most precious asset: our environment.

“The annual Premier’s Sustainability Awards are the most prestigious awards program of their kind in Victoria and are a terrific showcase of leading edge sustainability practices,” says CEO Sustainability Victoria, Stan Krpan.

Victorian businesses, schools, government and community groups are encouraged to enter.

“Through these awards, we proudly showcase the businesses, government, schools, institutions and community groups who are leading the way, helping to stop the effects of climate change, developing more integrated circular economies, and creating a more liveable, engaged, prosperous community for us all,” adds Mr Krpan.

“Now is the time to act. Let’s show the world how Victorians are leading the way in sustainability.”

Recent research shows that while sustainability remains an important concern for most Australians, only half believe they are doing enough. Joining the program’s existing ten categories, the new Environmental Volunteering category will make the awards more accessible to more people who take environmental action in real. practical and tangible ways.

Reflecting this sentiment, the 2019 Premier’s Sustainability Awards include categories to showcase every type of sustainability endeavour. They are Built Environment, Community, Education, Environmental Justice, Environmental Protection, Environmental Volunteering, Government, Health, Innovative Products or Services, Small to Medium Sized Businesses and Large Business.

2018 winners included small business Yume Food for building a marketplace exclusively for surplus food; the Caulfield to Dandenong level crossing removal project that features a linear park; Beeac Primary School who developed an innovative art-based project; and a campaign by Zoos Victoria and Phillip Island Nature Parks which addressed the threat of plastic debris to marine life.
Entries in the Premier’s Sustainability Awards close on Thursday 13 June.

Visit the website sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au for further information.