2012 KABV Awards winners & finalists

Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria congratulates the following winners and finalists of the 2012 Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities, Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards.

2012 Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards winners and finalists

Tidy Town of the Year 

• WINNER - Wycheproof
  Boasting the equal highest level of adult volunteering in Victoria, the people of Wycheproof actively seek out opportunities to improve town facilities and promote their way of life. Programs such as the Water Reuse Plan, $1 Rent-a-Farmhouse, Wycheproof Ram Tram and the Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour highlight the range of activities undertaken in a town of around 700 people. Wycheproof encourages knowledge and idea sharing with other communities and believes in collaboration for the betterment of the region. The folk who call Wycheproof home adore their town, its safe streets, neighbourly gestures, innovative and spirited community groups and the opportunities extended to young people. It is these people who have made Wycheproof what it is today - connected, innovative, passionate and proud.
  
  
• Beechworth
• Hastings
• Orbost
• Wangaratta

Dame Phyllis Frost

• WINNER - Margaret Pullen, Wangaratta
  Margaret Pullen, Chairperson of the Wangaratta Community Pride Committee, has been involved in Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria's activities for many years. A driving force behind Wangaratta's entries into the Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards and involved in Wangaratta North Rural Pride's Adopt a Roadside group, Marg is a well-known Wangaratta local. She has initiated strong ties with a number of community and volunteer groups, individuals and schools and was instrumental in convincing Wangaratta Rural City Council to re-join as KABV members in 2011/2012. A community member who likes to 'get things done', Marg has put in tireless volunteer hours to ensure Wangaratta is clean, tidy and liveable. Marg is a wonderful advocate for Wangaratta and the surrounding regions. She is always full of enthusiasm and passion with an endless commitment and drive to improve the town, provide opportunities, recognise volunteers and to welcome new visitors to the town. 

Community Action for population 3000

• WINNER - Watchem Lake Re-Development - Watchem Progress Association/Watchem Lake & Recreation Reserve Committee of Management
  Two years ago Watchem's local lake was empty like most others across Victoria due to drought. The idea of piping water into the town fast became a realistic solution. The community engaged an earthmover to clean up the beaches, remove driftwood from the boat launches, create fish holes and future drain holes. Thanks to the local community's donated time, labour, machinery and enthusiasm, Watchem's lake had enough water for recreation, wildlife, fishing and yabbying. Over 3,000 people have used the lake each summer since the redevelopment including a tinny regatta for over 300 people. A fishing club has been established and local business is on the increase. The lake now boasts a new playground facility, steel shedding, electric BBQs, seating and new camping facilities.
  
  
• Catalina Museum Opening Celebration - Lake Boga Lions Club
• Charlton Ladies Afternoon Tea - Wycheproof VISION
• Enhancing Biodiversity in the Rutherglen District - Rutherglen Tidy Towns, Rutherglen Land Care Group
• Heyfield a "Sustainable Smart Town" - Heyfield Community Resource Centre
• Moonambel Fireworks events - Moonambel Events Incorporation
• Sustainability Expo at the Orbost Show - Far East Victoria Landcare Inc.
• Volunteers Achieving Excellence - Dartmoor & District Progress Association Inc

Community Action for population > 3000

• WINNER - Inverloch Beach Fun Festival - South Coast Access Alliance
  The South Coast Access Alliance works to improve access to sport and recreation for people with a disability in the Bass Coast and South Gippsland region. In 2011 the South Coast Access Alliance organised the Inverloch Beach Fun Festival on the International Day of People with Disability. Activities included surfing, volleyball, rock pooling, fishing, kayaking, sand sculpting, kite flying and dinosaur dreaming. Over 170 people with a disability participated in the day and around 20 volunteers helped with registrations and extra support. Extra resources provided on the day included portable lifts, beach wheelchairs and temporary ramps which made it possible for wheelchair users to take part alongside others. The event drew participants from across Gippsland and preparations are underway for a similar event this year.
  
  
• 2012 South Gippsland Sustainability Festival - Sustainability Services, South Gippsland Shire Council
• Bairnsdale Tipshop: A successful community partnership leading the way in waste - Bairnsdale Recycling Enterprise Inc.
• Beechworth Community Christmas Lunch - Beechworth Community Service and Volunteers
• Remembering Trees - Community Action - Ovens and King Community Health Service
• Sustainable Sunraysia Festival 2012 - Mildura Sun Festival Inc.
• Tea Cosy Extravaganza and Community Yarn Bomb - Hastings Community House

Cultural Heritage

• WINNER - Catalina Museum - Lake Boga Lions Club
  Lake Boga was an integral part of allied defence during World War II and was home to the No. 1 Flying Boat Repair and Service Depot - a facility that helped to keep Australia safe by providing the repair and servicing requirements of flying boats. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Lake Boga Lions Club, the Lake Boga Catalina Flying Boat Museum is now one of the premier attractions of the Swan Hill region. The museum was officially opened in April 2012 and Lake Boga Lions Club worked tirelessly to restore the underground communications bunker to its original state and incorporated water saving measures for surrounding gardens and the Lake Boga Bowling Club. The entrance and car parking facility were improved, new signage was installed and a native garden around the museum was created.
  
  
• Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Geelong to Ballarat Railway - Yendon History Group
• Diversitat Reuse and Create Project - Diversitat
• "Listen To Beechworth History" - Beechworth Morsecodians Volunteers
• Preserving Wycheproof Cultural Heritage - Wycheproof Historic Society
• Restoration of Rutherglen Gold Battery - Rutherglen Tidy Towns, Gold Battery Committee
• Walhalla Ghost Tours - Walhalla Heritage and Development League (Inc)
• Yarragon Railway Station Centenary Project - Yarragon & District Community Association Inc.

Pam Keating Environmental Sustainability Award

• WINNER - Heyfield a "Sustainable Smart Town" - Heyfield Community Resource Centre
  The Heyfield Community Resource Centre has developed two key programs that empower local residents to incorporate sustainability practices into their lives and reduce their carbon footprint. Initially offering free replacements of light globes, showerheads and ceiling insulation, the team conducted a comprehensive community survey to identify the major hurdles they had to becoming more sustainable, some of which were cost and lack of information. In response, the centre developed the Flag Program and supporting website, Gippsland Green Centrepoint. Under the Flag Program, 380 of Heyfield's 700 homes and business were assessed within nine months. The assessments provided tips for disability and safety access and alternatives for reducing energy, waste and water.
  
  
• Best Bites Sustainable Food Guide - Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
• Mildura Region Solar Hubs - Mildura Development Corporation
• Sustainable Leaders/Home Harvest Event - Mount Eliza Secondary College "Team VCAL"
• Sustainability and Food Network Centre - Coal Creek Community Park and Museum

Resource Recovery & Waste Management

• WINNER - Horsham Wool Factory E-Waste program - Horsham Tidy Towns Committee
  Community Axis E-Waste program is an innovative recycling initiative that involves the dismantling of old computers and televisions collected from Horsham, Ararat and the Yarriambiack and Northern Grampians Shires. The dated technology would usually go to landfill but the raw materials, including steel, copper and gold, are instead sold to a range of buyers. The four councils involved in the project approached Community Axis, a provider of specialist employment services to people with a disability and disadvantaged jobseekers across the Grampians Region, to partner on the project. The E-Waste program now employs six disabled people who are responsible for dismantling approximately 45 tonnes of televisions and computers.
  
  
• Bairnsdale Tipshop: Creating jobs from local waste - Bairnsdale Recycling Enterprise Inc.
• Creative Waste Awareness - Orbost Exhibition Centre
• Portland Community TV Recycle Initiative - Portland Sustainability Group
• Public Place Recycling at Sporting Venues in North East Victoria - NevRwaste
• Wycheproof Waste Wizard Guide - Wycheproof VISION

Protection of the Environment

• WINNER - Community Garden/Wetlands/Mangrove Regeneration Program - St Joseph's Primary School
  In 2009 St Joseph's Primary School in Crib Point received a fitness grant from the Australian Government. As part of this grant it built and developed a community kitchen garden to demonstrate to the students, teachers and parents the importance of building and maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment. The garden is a true testament to community collaboration. Its creation involved helpers from HMAS Cerberus, the Navy's premier training establishment, who crushed rock for the garden base; parents who provided gardening advice via the gardening club; and grandparents and businesses who helped where they could. St Joseph's is now in the process of developing a wetlands, mangrove research building and an outdoor kitchen/classroom in an area of the school that is attached to the community garden.
  
  
• Cape Paterson Foreshore Reserve Restoration Program - Cape Paterson Residents and Ratepayers Association
• Nine Creeks a year on - Nine Creeks Working Group
• Protection of the Environment - Millgrove Residents Action Group
• Recycle for Recovery - Kinglake Landcare Group
• Tambo River Loop Track - Bruthen & District Landcare Group

Community Government Partnerships

• WINNER - Wycheproof Community Resource Centre - Wycheproof Community Resource Centre
  Wycheproof Community Resource Centre (WCRC) is a not-for-profit Neighbourhood House that provides a valuable link between community and the Buloke Shire Council. Through its key partnerships with government, small business and community, it provides a multitude of services to support the Wycheproof community including adult training programs, social events, health and fitness classes, computer classes and occupational skills training such as food handling and fork lift operation. It also offers an in-house secretarial service. A number of community organisations come under the WCRC banner including the Op Shop, Men's Shed and the art, craft and information shop. Also located at the WCRC is an ANZ bank, Mallee Sports Assembly office, CFA office, Centrelink agency, Wycheproof RSL sub-branch, community kitchen, accounting business, book exchange and myotherapy clinic.
  
  
• Best Bites Sustainable Food Guide - Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
• Cape Paterson Foreshore Reserve Restoration Program - Cape Paterson Residents and Ratepayers Association
• Hastings Community Hub - Hastings
• Mildura Region Solar Hubs - Mildura Development Corporation
• Multipurpose Facility and Sustainable Landscaping - Rainbow Primary School and Rainbow Secondary College - Co-location
• Restoration of Rutherglen Gold Battery - Rutherglen Tidy Towns, Gold Battery Committee

Water Efficiency

• WINNER - Stawell Stormwater Alternative Natural Solutions Project - Northern Grampians Shire Council
  After experiencing the devastating effects of drought, the North Grampians Shire Council worked with the Stawell community to demonstrate how stormwater can drought-proof community assets such as sports fields and streetscapes. Funded primarily through the Stormwater and Urban Water Conservation Fund, the Stawell Stormwater Alternative Natural Solutions project involved the construction of a series of water quality treatment ponds, storage dams and transfer infrastructure across the township. The project captures 130 megalitres of urban stormwater for re-use and environmental flows every year and has also helped address local flooding issues. The collected stormwater is now used to irrigate sporting facilities, gardens and public open spaces throughout the town, resulting in potable water savings in excess of 74 megalitres per year.
  
  
• Active Schools - St Macartan's Parish Primary School
• Bowling Club Water Supply - Watchem Progress Association/Watchem Bowling Club Inc.
• Health of the River System Youth Forum - Health of the River System Youth Forum Board
• Toilet to grass - North East Water/Indigo Shire
• Water Saving/Recycling - Sale Tennis Club

Efficient Energy

• WINNER - Efficient Energy Science and Language Centre - Dimboola Memorial Secondary College
  Officially opened in May 2012, the Science and Language Centre at the Dimboola Memorial Secondary College is a 6 star energy rating, state-of-the art building. Only one of 70 in Victoria and 380 nationwide, it boasts direct access video conferencing to six science centres across the state, including the Monash Centre for Synchrotron Science at Monash University. The Dimboola Centre features passive air conditioning via electronically controlled louvered windows, a 10-kilowatt solar system and energy saving lighting with auto shut off. Students can access real-time readings of energy and water usage. The building showcases contemporary efficient design and ensures optimal use of space, time and resources.
  
  
• Huff and Puff you will never blow it down - Valhalla Winery
• National Solar Schools Program Project at Pyramid Hill College - Pyramid Hill College
• Solar Power - Sale Tennis Club

Active Schools

• WINNER - 100 Years of Secondary Education - Orbost Secondary College
  In April 2012 Orbost Secondary College celebrated 100 years of secondary education, encompassing Orbost Higher Elementary School, Orbost High School and Orbost Secondary College. All past and present school students and staff were invited to attend the celebrations and share in the pride of the school's successful 100 years. Students and teachers worked together to plan the celebrations which included events such as the opening of the Centenary Garden, the planting of a time capsule and tours of the current school buildings and grounds. Orbost Secondary College values its facilities and offers a great range of programs to engage all students including team teaching, practical lessons, professional speaking and excursions, along with a thriving veggie patch, chooks and an orchard.
  
  
• Advance/Manang Youth - Manangatang P12 College
• Community Garden/Wetlands/Mangrove Regeneration Program - St Joseph's Primary School
• From Little Things Big Things Grow - Bass Valley Primary School
• Get active get healthy from the garden to the plate - Newhaven College Junior School & Bass Coast Shire Council
• Let's Go Fishing! - Wangaratta High School Community Learning Challenge Water Group
• "New Beginning" - Wooragee Primary School

Young Leaders

• WINNER - Amanda Roberts - Wangaratta Community Pride Committee
  Over the past three years 17 year old Amanda Roberts has emerged as a young leader and role model for the local Wangaratta community. She has given up her time to volunteer at many different community events such as Senior's Week celebrations, tree plantings, Blue Light Discos and other alcohol and drug free events. She has acted as a Wangaratta Youth Councillor and in 2010 was elected Youth Mayor of Wangaratta. Amanda has not only shown great leadership in the community but also at her school where she is a year level captain and peer mentor, an active member of the steering committee for the development of the Youth Health Service and a member of the School Wide Positive Behaviour team.
  
  
• Backyard Blitz - Shed 11 Youth Centre - Hastings
• Sam Mitchell - Orbost - East Gippsland Pride
• Sustainable Leaders - Mount Eliza Secondary College "Team VCAL"
• Tamsin Greenwood - Indigo Shire Solar Ambassador - Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee

Community Leadership

• WINNER - Bairnsdale Recycling Enterprise Inc.
  The Bairnsdale Tipshop partners with five local agencies and works with the local op shop network and other not-for-profits to make the best use of second hand resources that would otherwise go to landfill. Community volunteers take on various roles to facilitate the management and ongoing operations of the enterprise, empowering staff to take ownership of the business. This innovative project relies on community enterprise and leadership and is now a viable, stand alone business, employing five fulltime staff. Without community commitment, insight and the willingness to take a risk on something outside the square, this project would not have been possible.
  
  
• Beechworth Neighbourhood Centre - Indigo Fireflies
• Coal Creek Literary Festival
• Greg Missen - Rotary Mildura district 9520
• Heyfield Community Resource Centre
• Lake Boga Lions Club
• Sale Tennis Club
• St Macartan's Parish Primary School
  

• Cape Paterson Residents and Ratepayers Association ($1,500)
• Orbost - East Gippsland Pride ($1,500)
• St Macartan's Parish Primary School, Mornington ($500)
• St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Crib Point ($500)
• West End Community Group, Wangaratta ($1,500)

2012 Sustainable Cities Awards winners and finalists

Sustainable City of the Year

• WINNER - City of Boroondara
  The City of Boroondara is home to more than 165,000 people in Melbourne's inner-eastern suburbs including Ashburton, Balwyn, Camberwell, Hawthorn East, Kew and Surrey Hills. Community consultation has established that environmental sustainability is one of the top issues of concern to its residents and the council consults with the community on any new environmental policies, initiatives and projects that may impact on the local environment.
  
  This year, its Sustainable Living Expo attracted 2,500 visitors, while council and community planting initiatives, developed through its Biodiversity Strategy, have helped add 288,000 indigenous plants to the area since 2003. The council strives to 'lead by example' in its own operations, reducing water, waste and energy through its Green Office, Sustainable Buildings, Water Sensitive Urban Design policies and other programs.
  
  
• Brimbank City Council
• City of Casey
• Frankston City Council
• Wyndham City Council

Dame Phyllis Frost

• WINNER - Debbie Coffey, Frankston City Council
  Debbie Coffey, the Environmental Education and Volunteer Support Officer for Frankston City Council, is actively involved in environmental issues in the Frankston region. Debbie has contributed to past and current Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Awards for Frankston City Council and is involved in delivering environmental activities within the community. Some recent projects include community vegetable gardens and the introduction of modern cloth nappies to reduce the use of disposable nappies in Australia. Whether it's helping to organise the first joint council's Youth Environmental Forum, Leaders in Environmentally Sustainable Schools, or helping to launch a free guide to Frankston's natural reserves, Debbie is always keen to put her hand up. Debbie is passionate about the environment and has a leadership style that gets things done as well as supports and encourages those around her.

Community Action

• WINNER - "Stationary Faces" Community Mosaic Mural at Patterson Station, Bentleigh - Pamela Irving Studio + Gallery
  Over 750 people from the local and international community helped to create this 150 square metre mosaic mural on the underpass of Patterson Railway Station in Bentleigh. Initiated by local artist Pamela Irving, the project goal was to create a community artwork that would reduce graffiti, recycle unwanted tiles and beautify the dull underpass environment. Each participant was encouraged to express their own creativity within the theme of 'portraits' and together these symbolise the diversity of the local community. Local shops and residents also contributed old china and tiles to incorporate into the work. The mural continues to inspire locals and tourists who view it.
  
  
• Bellarine Rail Trail Revegetation - City of Greater Geelong/Friends of the Bellarine Rail Trail
• "Greening our Future" Public Seminar - Frankston City Council
• Merlynston Village Green: A small suburb thinking big - Moreland Energy Foundation and Merlynston residents
• POP-UP-PARK Dandenong - Places Victoria in partnership with City of Greater Dandenong and Mission Australia
• Western Port Treasures - Discover the magic beyond the mangroves - City of Casey

Cultural Heritage

• WINNER - Melton's Historic Morton Homestead Lives Again - Melton Shire Council
  Taylors Hill's historic Morton Homestead is a rare example of an early 20th century farmstead. Located at the heart of the emerging community of Taylors Hill, Melton Shire Council saw the opportunity to transform this historically significant farmstead into a community hub while preserving its historical features. The property is of historical significance as it is one of few remaining Melton Shire houses built as a result of the Closer Settlement Board's subdivision of the Overnewton Estate of prominent pastoralist William Taylor. The works undertaken included the repair and adaptation of the farmhouse. The Council conserved and integrated aspects of all original features into the landscape design where possible. Community activities are now taking place in the building, bringing new life to the old homestead.
  
  
• Heritage Initiative Grant - City of Casey
• Kew Court House and Police Station refurbishment project - City of Boroondara

Pam Keating Environmental Sustainability

• WINNER - Selandra Community Place - City of Casey
  Selandra Community Place is an Australian first. It is an eight-star, zero energy display home in the Melbourne suburb of Cranbourne East. Using the latest technology and building practices, the home supports residents and potential residents to think sustainably when building their own homes and through their everyday actions. The home features interactive displays, DVD animations and 'take-home' information cards. The City of Casey also offers community and sustainability programs at the site, including a small business centre; workshops on sustainable gardening; interior design and DIY projects. The property is a partnership between the City of Casey, Stockland, Henley Properties Group and South East Councils Climate Change Alliance.
  
  
• Green my Postcode - Caroline Springs - Melton Shire Council
• Living for our Future Program and the Sustainable Living Festival - City of Boroondara
• Merlynston Village Green: A small suburb thinking big - Moreland Energy Foundation and Merlynston residents
• Sustainable Efficiency Initiatives - Sustainable Building Design and Sustainable Practices - Mount Evelyn Primary School
• Westvale Outdoor Community Garden Room - Brimbank City Council

Resource Recovery & Waste Management

• WINNER - Dumping is Damaging - Wyndham City Council
  The 'Dumping is Damaging' campaign was developed to help tackle the problem of illegal dumping on roadsides in Wyndham. Using the Victorian Litter Action Alliance's Illegal Dumping Kit, the Council used a number of education, infrastructure and enforcement actions. They involved local traders, real estate agents, skip bin operators, and residents in the target area. Over the four-month period, the campaign saw a large increase in the number of calls to the Council to report illegally dumped waste and raised awareness within the community on how to report persons seen illegally dumping waste and what happens to them. It also saw an increase in litter offenders being taken to court and faster recovery of dumped waste by the Council.
  
  
• Be a Brimbank Gem - Recycle Right campaign - Brimbank City Council
• Modern Cloth Nappy Workshops & Mummy Mentors - Frankston City Council
• Recycling, Reducing and Reusing - Mount Evelyn Primary School
• Resource Recovery and Waste Management - City of Boroondara

Protection of the Environment

• WINNER - Conservation Reserves Program - City of Greater Geelong
  The Conservation Reserves Program was developed to protect and restore the remaining two per cent of indigenous vegetation that covers the City of Greater Geelong. The work is performed with local community members and many environment groups and partner agencies including the Bellarine Catchment Network, Bellarine Landcare Group, Friends of Waurn Ponds Creek, Geelong Environment Council, Breamlea Landcare Group and Geelong Field Naturalist Club. Conservation work involves fencing, pest plant and animal control, burning programs, the development of reserve management plans and revegetation. In many cases the works protect state and/or nationally significant species and vegetation communities. The program has also involved important weed research including the Polygala research program and use of rust fungus on bridal creeper.
  
  
• 2011 Wyndham Grassland Management Conference - Wyndham City Council and Department of Sustainability and Environment
• Ours is a grassland school in Caroline Springs - Lakeview Senior College Caroline Springs
• Protecting and enhancing urban biodiversity - City of Boroondara Protecting biodiversity within school grounds - Mount Evelyn Primary School
• Western Port Treasures - Discover the magic beyond the mangroves - City of Casey

Community Government Partnerships

• WINNER - Kew Court House and Police Station refurbishment project - City of Boroondara
  Kew Court House and Police Station was purchased by Boroondara Council in 2007 following an amazing fundraising effort by the community. Through Kew Historical Society, the community raised $500,000 in an effort to save the dilapidated 1888 building. Its restoration has since involved the support of additional partners including Heritage Victoria, the Federal Government's Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program and the Victorian Government's Community Support Fund. The restoration and refurbishment was managed by the City of Boroondara and completed in 2011. It ensured the heritage features of the building were retained while creating a dynamic arts hub for the community.
  
  
• Brimbank Neighbourhood House strategic partnership - Brimbank City Council
• Green my Postcode - Caroline Springs - Melton Shire Council
• Lower Werribee River Restoration Partnership - Wyndham City Council, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Department of Sustainability and Environment
• Revitalising Central Dandenong - POP-UP-PARK - Places Victoria in partnership with City of Greater Dandenong and Mission Australia

Water Efficiency

• WINNER - Saving and Re-Using Water - Water Efficiency A Whole School Approach - Mount Evelyn Primary School
  By pledging to reduce water use and embedding water saving across the school, Mount Evelyn Primary has reduced its water use from 3.66 kL per student in 2009, to 1.72 kL last year. A range of initiatives support this including participating in the Melbourne Stormwater Van Excursion to understand how a local catchment works and recognise the impact of litter on waterways, a new rain garden on school grounds and timers for all taps. Other supporting initiatives include, large water tanks for flushing of the toilets, cleaning and watering the school's vegetable and bush food gardens and a ban on bottled water being sold at the school canteen. The school's Sustainability Action Teams ensure that water saving is encouraged across the school.
  
  
• "Greening Frankston's Children's Centres" - Frankston City Council
• Promoting and implementing Water Sensitive Urban Design in the City of Boroondara - City of Boroondara
• Selandra Community Place - City of Casey

Efficient Energy

• WINNER - Warm Mix Asphalt Trial - Frankston City Council
  The Frankston City Council has trialled the use of Warm Mix Asphalt on road resurfacing in Kananook Boulevard, Seaford. An environmentally friendly alternative to traditional road surfacing, it allows the producers of asphalt to lower the temperatures at which the material is mixed and placed on the road, reducing energy requirements for the plant by around 30 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30 per cent. It also provides a safer working environment for road crews through reduced fumes, heat and emissions. The Seaford test site will be monitored to ensure that it performs adequately as a road surface. If it does, the council's infrastructure team will consider using it across its road surfacing program.
  
  
• "Greening Frankston's Children's Centres" - Frankston City Council
• Merlynston Village Green: A small suburb thinking big - Moreland Energy Foundation and Merlynston residents
• Selandra Community Place - City of Casey

Active Schools

• WINNER - Generation Justice in the Community - Generation Justice - Mill Park Secondary College
  For the last four years, students at Mill Park Secondary College have worked to raise awareness of environmental issues in the local community through their group Generation Justice. Initiatives have included workshops for primary students to learn more about local biodiversity and the annual Earth Action Environment Conference led by students for all schools in Whittlesea. They have also presented to teachers at the annual Greening Australia Toolbox for Change and have participated in both local and international Kids Teaching Kids Conferences to present workshops on subjects as diverse as bottled water, desalination and striped legless lizards.
  
  
• A Leader and Active School in Sustainability - Mount Evelyn Primary School
• Big Green Festival - Carrum Primary School
• Endangered Ecosystem Garden - Strathaird Primary School
• Ours is a grassland school in Caroline Springs - Lakeview Senior College Caroline Springs

Young Leaders

• WINNER - Darcie Jordan - Generation Waking Up - Generation Justice - Mill Park Secondary College
  Darcie Jordan has led the development of the youth symposium and movement Generation Waking Up in Australia since 2010. Officially launched in January 2011, the symposium aims to deliver a half-day, transformational experience that inspires and motivates young people to bring forward a thriving, just and sustainable world. Darcie has travelled locally and overseas, training both adults and young people and improving her skills as a facilitator and leader along with others participating in the Generation Waking Up movement. Now in Year 12, Darcy shows no signs of slowing down, fulfilling her role as School Captain while continuing to lead the expansion of Generation Waking Up in Australia and New Zealand. She is also the CEO of the newly-formed Victorian Youth Environment Council and one of its founding members.
  
  
• Environmental Leaders for the Future (The ELFS) 2006 - to present - Mount Evelyn Primary School
• POP-UP-PARK Dandenong - Youth Engagement Activities - Places Victoria in partnership with City of Greater Dandenong and Mission Australia

Community Leadership

• WINNER - Brimbank Environmental Leadership Program
  Brimbank held its first Environmental Leadership Program in 2011. The program is designed to build leadership and community engagement capacity regarding environmental issues in Brimbank and strengthen relationship the between the Council and its diverse communities. The program trained 12 people aged 17 and over working, living or studying in Brimbank for two and a half hours each week over seven weeks. The leadership program consisted of a series of seminars, interactive workshops and study tours that developed and enhanced the participants' environmental knowledge and community development skills. The leaders have become important agents for change within their communities and a new set of leaders will be developed each year.
  
  
• City of Boroondara and Kew Historical Society
• Church of God World Mission Society Inc
• Melton Shire Council, UrbanTrans and Delfin Lend Lease
• Moreland Energy Foundation and Merlynston residents

2012 Clean Beaches Awards winners and finalists

* Please note in 2012 this was a separate awards program. For 2013, a Clean Beach category now features in both the Sustainable Cities Awards and Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards.

Clean Beach of the Year

• WINNER - Frankston Foreshore
  Named KABV's Clean Beach of the Year in 2011, Frankston City Council has continued to develop programs this year and improve infrastructure in recognition that its foreshore is a focal point of activity for locals and visitors alike. This year the Frankston Foreshore was chosen as the site for the Asia-Pacific Ironman Championships, hosting thousands of visitors and showcasing the foreshore and its surrounds to a huge global audience. With a new, state-of-the-art pavilion and tree planting at Keast Park, improved community safety initiatives and a proven track record in staging large events, Frankston Foreshore continues to prove its popularity with locals and visitors alike.
  
  
• Lake Boga
• Victory Park, Chelsea

Dame Phyllis Frost

• WINNER - Neil Blake, Port Phillip EcoCentre
  Neil Blake, Director of the Port Phillip EcoCentre likes his beaches clean and free of litter, especially cigarette butts. Wearing his two hats, as the EcoCentre Director and the Port Phillip Baykeeper, last summer Neil embarked on a mission to free the City of butts over summer. Neil was also a major organiser and participant in the 2011 Clean Beaches initiative put forward by the Port Phillip Clean Beach Coalition to clean up beaches in the Port Phillip municipality. Neil has been involved for many years as the Director of the Port Phillip EcoCentre and has been a driving force behind its community-based programs and projects. These range from penguin research and protection at the St Kilda Breakwater to indigenous and work-for-the-dole training programs. He works with schools, community groups and individuals, government agencies and businesses to better understand, appreciate and protect Port Phillip Bay. As an environmentalist with skills in fauna and flora areas, Neil has also nurtured new local environmental groups.

Community Action

• WINNER - Park Restoration - Lake Boga Yacht Club
  Lake Boga Yacht Club volunteers have helped to revitalise this once popular recreational spot, taking a lead role in the maintenance of the parkland and foreshore. Years of drought, followed by flood in 2011 and combined with an inadequate and ageing watering system, left the lake and its surrounding parkland in a poor state. Working bees have transformed the area by removing dead limbs and trees, reducing noxious weeds and clearing objects in waterways. Club members also support the Council with watering and mowing of the parkland. In addition to the physical transformation, the work of the club members has led to a large increase in the number of yacht and other users over the past 12 months.
  
  
• Asia-Pacific Ironman Championships come to Frankston City - Frankston City Council
• Improvements to the Indented Head Community Hall - Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management
• Inaugural Clean Up Australia Day - Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club

Pam Keating Environmental Sustainability

• WINNER - Water and energy efficient park design - Victory Park, Chelsea - City of Kingston
  Sustainable design and the use of recycled and energy and water-efficient products, have helped the City of Kingston create a park that is both environmentally friendly and popular with visitors. This has been achieved with features such as showers, drinking fountains and taps with timers, excess water from showers being diverted to water nearby vegetation and boardwalks made from a product that combines recycled milk containers and non-virgin pine. The park also reduces energy use with LED lighting and a floating roof on the toilet block that maximises natural light.
  
  
• No Cuts No Butts anti-litter campaign - City of Port Phillip
• Restoration of the McCrae Foreshore Reserve - McCrae Homestead Coastal Group Inc.

Protection of the Environment

• WINNER - Saving the endangered Swamp Skink - Friends of Chinamans Creek Inc.
  The Friends of Chinamans Creek has been involved for many years in local conservation projects. Their efforts to save the rare and protected swamp skink (lissolepsis coventryi) include connecting suitable areas of vegetation along the creek with the aim to increase habitat for the skink. The 'Skink Link' project involves various community groups including Coastcare, local schools and a foreshore committee. The Friends of Chinamans Creek has also been given a grant from the Department of Sustainability and Environment to recover and preserve native orchids, as well as perform feral animal control with support from the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
  
  
• 2011-2012 Dog Owners 'Do The Right Thing' campaign - Bass Coast Shire Council, Community Safety Rangers
• No Cuts No Butts anti-litter campaign - City of Port Phillip

Community Government Partnerships

• WINNER - Asia-Pacific Ironman Championships come to Frankston City - Frankston City Council
  With a history of staging marathons, excellent facilities and a beachside location, Frankston was chosen by Major Events Victoria as the site for the 2012 Asia-Pacific Ironman Championships. This huge event required excellent collaboration across the Frankston City Council, local businesses, East Link and the State Government. More than 300 local volunteers were required to support the event's 2,500 Australian and international competitors. With the support of the community and partners, Frankston showcased its waterfront precinct to 200 million global viewers. It was the first time the event had been staged in a metropolitan area anywhere in the world.
  
  
• Beautification Lake Boga Catalina Museum entrance and park maintenance - Lake Boga Lions Club
• Keast Park opens a new chapter with spectacular new pavilion - Frankston City Council
• Operation Chelsea Beach - City of Kingston

Friendly Beach

• WINNER - Victory Park, Chelsea - City of Kingston
  This previously barren land was once an eyesore which attracted regular complaints from residents and visitors. The upgrades to Victory Park now allow visitors to enjoy a special bayside experience including great swimming, easy access to toilets and beach showers, a sheltered picnic and BBQ area, and two unique play spaces featuring lighthouse and castle-themed play equipment. The park also includes integrated boardwalk networks allowing disabled access throughout the park and a mural by a local artist featuring a Port Phillip Bay sea dragon. Local residents were consulted extensively in the design of the park to ensure it would be a treasured place for all.
  
  
• Buggy patrols make local beaches more family friendly - Frankston City Council
• Keast Park opens a new chapter with spectacular new pavilion - Frankston City Council
• No Cuts No Butts anti-litter campaign - City of Port Phillip Park Restoration - Lake Boga Yacht Club

Community Leadership

• WINNER - Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club
  Venus Bay is a small coastal town on Victoria's southern coast on Bass Strait, with a small residential population of around 1,000 that grows to more than 10,000 during peak holiday times. Despite its size and remote location, the Surf Life Saving Club has been a focal point for the community since 1961 and now boasts 50 members, 45 of whom are temporary residents. In addition to providing essential beach patrol duties, club members work hard to clean up litter and encourage visitors to 'do the right thing', including handing out personal ashtrays to smokers. In 2012, the Club organised the first ever Clean Up Australia Day event which was well supported by volunteers.
  
  
• Bass Coast Community Safety Rangers
• Lake Boga Lions Club

Top | Last updated 30/01/2013