Premier's Sustainability Awards 2023 Event Program

The Premier’s Sustainability Awards, now in their 21^st year, celebrate Victoria’s sustainability success stories. Every year the Awards unearth remarkable advancements and achievements on our path towards a circular economy and a more sustainable future.

These awards recognise the Victorians who have a deep commitment to sustainability. The projects, individuals, and organisations who are finalists represent some of the best and most forward-thinking solutions for cutting out waste, boosting recycling, energy efficiency, and reusing our precious resources. All of them are working towards a cleaner, greener Victoria and a sustainable and thriving circular economy.

The Premier’s Sustainability Awards categories align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – the world’s shared plan to end extreme poverty, reduce inequality, and protect the planet by 2030. The Awards connect Victoria to these goals and build hope and optimism. They showcase Victorians who are inspiring others to take action, building resilience into our economy and society, and creating a fairer and more sustainable Victoria.

I want to thank every single person, community group, volunteer, business, and organisation who entered these awards. Every project represents the commitment and hard work of people who are choosing to do good for their community and for the planet. Every one of you is contributing to a better and more sustainable Victoria and reaching our climate action target – net zero emissions by 2045.

I would also like to thank our panel of independent judges for their time, care, and commitment to choosing finalists and winners that represent the best of an already excellent bunch of entrants. They did not have an easy job.

Finally, I would like to congratulate all this year’s finalists and winners, and thank you for your passion, drive, and commitment to sustainability and a better Victoria.

Steve Dimopoulos MP
Minister for Environment
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events
Minister for Outdoor Recreation

We are very excited to welcome you to this year’s Premier’s Sustainability Awards — delivered by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government and the Premier of Victoria.

This evening we are recognising and celebrating those with a deep commitment to sustainability across the State. The dedication these individuals and trailblazers have shown in leading the way in Victoria’s transition to a circular, climate-resilient economy is both exciting and inspiring.

In its 21^st year, the Premier’s Sustainability Awards continues to reflect the depth and innovation of sustainability within industry, business and community across Victoria and this year we have seen the second highest number of entries in the history of the awards. This result is a testament to the collective action we as Victorians are taking to reach net-zero emissions.

We wish to thank and congratulate every entrant to the awards and acknowledge the work you are doing to forge a more sustainable path for Victorians.

We would also like to thank:

• our sponsors — The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Melbourne Water and Momentum Energy
• our entry and judging management service providers — Nation Partners
• our independent judges who selected tonight’s finalists and winners
• Zero Plastics Australia for tonight’s trophies.

A big congratulations to our 36 finalists and our winners across the Community Champion and Industry Leader categories. Enjoy this evening of celebration and we hope it leaves you feeling inspired for the future of our state with so many fantastic sustainable initiatives paving the way forward.

Born in Tbilisi, Georgia at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Alice grew up with a cuisine that reaches for the veg first; it’s no surprise then, that this is at the heart of her food philosophy, helping others across the world do the same through her books, radio and television work and columns.

She is the author of international best-seller, James Beard finalist and ABIA award-winning kitchen bible In Praise of Veg, kids’ fun food fact book Alice’s A to Z, and cooking confidence unlocker The Joy of Better Cooking.

Alice is the long-time Culinary Correspondent for ABC News Breakfast and ABC Radio nationally, and host of Saturday Breakfast on ABC Radio Melbourne. Her Guardian column ‘You’ve Got This’ encourages cooks of all abilities to get into the kitchen, and use what they’ve got - be it ingredient, skill, or gadget.

She’s also the creator of the innovative digital food literacy tool kit Phenomenom, which helps to connect kids with food in meaningful ways through entirely free resources for teachers and parents.

Alice lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, Nick, and their daughter, Hazel (otherwise known as The Nut).

5 pm Registration
Arrive via Main Square entrance

5:30 pm to 7 pm Awards ceremony
Cinema 1, ACMI

• Message from the Minister Environment – Steve Dimopoulos
• Message from Sustainability Victoria’s Interim CEO – Matt Genever

Award presentations:

• Circular economy innovation – Community Champion
• Circular economy innovation – Industry Leader
• Future energy – Community Champion
• Future energy – Industry Leader
• Healthy and fair society – Community Champion
• Healthy and fair society – Industry Leader
• Sustainable places – Community Champion
• Sustainable places – Industry Leader
• Thriving environment – Community Champion
• Thriving environment – Industry Leader
• Waste and Recycling Solutions – Community Champion
• Waste and Recycling Solutions – Industry Leader
• Premier’s Regional Recognition Award
• Premier’s Recognition Award

7 pm to 8:30 pm Cocktail function
Zinc, Fed Square

Sustainability Victoria staff will be present to guide you to Zinc, a short 2-minute walk, for a catered cocktail celebration. If you require assistance or have accessibility requirements, please notify the staff at registration.

Circular economy innovation

Sponsored by Melbourne Water.

Community Champion Finalists

• Natural Growth Partners
• Packamama
• Wholefoods Unwrapped Collective

Industry Leader Finalists

• ecologiQ
• Fresh Select and NutriV
• Moving Feast Network