Victorian Schools Called to Celebrate Sustainability in Action

Published: 6 November 2025
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Entries are now open for the 2026 ResourceSmart Schools Awards, Victoria’s premier celebration of sustainability leadership in schools.

The Awards, managed by Sustainability Victoria, shine a spotlight on the inspiring efforts of primary and secondary schools across the state that are making sustainability part of everyday learning, culture and community.

This year’s theme, ‘Our Sustainable Community,’ recognises the strength of the ResourceSmart Schools network and celebrates the power of collaboration where teachers, students and stakeholders share knowledge, passion, and commitment to drive sustainability for a thriving environment.

The theme shines through in schools such as Box Hill High, partnering with Monash University to study the impact of idling cars, and Our Lady Star of the Sea in Ocean Grove cleaning up with the Bellarine Catchment Network – partnerships that support flourishing sustainable communities.

Matt Genever, CEO of Sustainability Victoria, says the ResourceSmart Schools Awards are a chance to acknowledge the sustainability legends in our school communities and showcase the incredible leadership of Victorian schools.

“I encourage every eligible school across the state to enter the 2026 ResourceSmart Schools Awards. Let’s celebrate your achievements, inspire others, and continue building a future where sustainability is at the heart of education and community."

Since 2008, the ResourceSmart Schools program has supported more than 1,600 schools to embed sustainability into their schools and communities. Collectively, these schools $67 million on bills, diverted 180,000 cubic metres of waste from landfill, planted more than 5.1 million trees, saved 2.2 million kilolitres of water, and saved more than 62,000 tonnes of CO2e greenhouse gas emissions – all while empowering students to be environmental leaders.

Victorian schools registered in the ResourceSmart Schools program are invited to enter the 2026 Awards and share their stories of innovation, leadership and impact. Winners will be announced at a prestigious ceremony at the MCG in June 2026.

Award categories:

  • Emerging School of the Year
  • Campus Infrastructure and Operations School of the Year
  • Student Action Team of the Year (Primary and Secondary)
  • Teacher of the Year (Primary and Secondary)
  • Curriculum Leadership School of the Year (Primary and Secondary)
  • CDS Vic Excellence Award – sponsored by Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme
  • School Volunteer of the Year
  • ResourceSmart School of the Year

Sustainability Victoria is supporting schools entering the awards by running two information sessions on Thursday 27 November 2025 and Thursday 12 February 2026.

Entries close Monday 9 March 2026.

Not a ResourceSmart School? Simply contact Sustainability Victoria’s ResourceSmart Schools team at schools@sustainability.vic.gov.au.

For more information visit 2026 ResourceSmart Schools Awards.