2012 Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Ghost Tours Independent judges: Brian Winch David...

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sustainability.vic.gov.au/kabv 2012 Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities AWARDS Mornington Mornington Mornington Mornington T I D Y T O W N S - S U S T A I N A B L E C O M M U N I T I E S A W A R D S

Transcript of 2012 Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Ghost Tours Independent judges: Brian Winch David...

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sustainability.vic.gov.au/kabv

2012 Tidy Towns -Sustainable CommunitiesAwArds

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Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria thanks

The Packaging Stewardship Forum for sponsoring the following award categories: Community Action ≤3000 (population under 3000) Community Action >3000 (population over 3000) Resource Recovery & Waste Management

Door prize supporters: Chambers Rosewood Winery Dromana Estate Kraft Foods Paul Mercurio Puffing Billy Railway Snooks Catering The Ozone Patch The Wicked Virgin Walhalla Ghost Tours

Independent judges: Brian Winch David Moncrieff Horrie Poussard Robbie Rae Ron Williamson Terry O’Brien Tony Wissenden

Event suppliers: Arid Zone Corporate Staging Services Les O’Rourke Photography Moss Industries Peninsula Music Society Snooks Catering

The people of Mornington, including the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, St Macartan’s Parish Primary School, Mornington Community Garden and the Rotary Club of Mornington.

Foliage native to the Victorian coast has been sourced for the table centrepieces and stage flowers.

This is a climate friendly event.

Images within this publication were taken in Mornington - 2011 Tidy Town of the Year winner.

Printed by Impact Digital, a leading digital printer reducing their carbon footprint. Impact Digital is committed to reducing energy by utilising 120 solar panels, solar hot water, rain water tanks and energy efficient lighting in their business operations. Impact Digital has partnered with Carbon Conscious to offset their carbon emissions. For more information on this initiative visit impactdigital.com.au. Booklet printed on 100% recycled paper.

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Minister’s Foreword

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria 2012 Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards.

These awards are a wonderful opportunity for our regional towns to be recognised for their outstanding community achievements. This year’s entrants have created positive changes all over Victoria to make their towns more sustainable, tidy and liveable.

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the Tidy Towns Awards in Victoria. These awards have grown from their anti-litter campaign origins to now encompass initiatives as diverse as preserving heritage, saving water and energy and community leadership.

The 2012 awards attracted 53 entries, consisting of 163 initiatives from individuals, community groups, councils and schools. There were many exciting projects including a sustainable food guide, student-driven environmental activities and a wetlands regeneration project.

These awards highlight the fantastic work being done in our community, often by volunteers, to improve our environment, preserve our heritage and revitalise our public places. Tonight a new town will be crowned the 2012 Tidy Town of the Year. This town will be honoured for its contribution to sustainability, cleanliness and preservation of the environment.

On behalf of the Victorian Government I would like to congratulate all community members, councils, schools and individuals who have entered these awards.

Through your leadership, you are inspiring and encouraging others to help create a sustainable future for us all. I thank you for your dedication and participation.

The Hon Ryan Smith MP Minister for Environment and Climate Change

Host

One of Australia’s most accomplished and recognised television personalities, Paul Mercurio has explored and succeeded in his pursuits of dance, choreography, acting, television presenting, cooking, beer brewing and writing.

Many will know Paul from his early dancing endeavours and his role in Baz Luhrmann’s critically acclaimed film, ‘Strictly Ballroom’. Since then, Paul has carved out an impressive dance and acting resume; performed in 14 feature films, countless Australian television shows, choreographed over 30 dance works for stage and screen and performed in various theatre productions. Paul has been nominated for both a Logie and and AFI award.

More recently, Paul began to follow his passion for food and beer brewing while he was a judge on the Seven Network’s popular and long-running ‘Dancing with the Stars’ for seven series. Paul has hosted several cooking shows, including his own show, ‘Mercurio’s Menu’ for four consecutive seasons.

He has turned his passion for food and beer brewing into writing and has authored two cookbooks. His latest book, ‘Cooking With Beer’, was declared the fourth best beer cookbook in the world by the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in 2012. Paul is now a featured chef on the Nine Network’s ‘Mornings’ with Sonia Kruger and David Campbell.

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Order of Proceedings

Pre dinner drinksNetworking for participants, supporters and sponsors

Welcome by host Paul MercurioAddress by Stan Krpan, Chief Executive Officer, Sustainability Victoria

Address by Kirsty Richards, Chair, Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Inc.

Presentations after entree2012 Community Action Award for population ≤ 3000

2012 Community Action Award for population > 3000

2012 Resource Recovery & Waste Management Award

2012 Cultural Heritage Award

2012 Pam Keating Environmental Sustainability Award

2012 Protection of the Environment Award

Presentations after main course2012 Community Government Partnerships Award

2012 Water Efficiency Award

2012 Efficient Energy Award

2012 Active Schools Award

2012 Young Leaders Award

2012 Community Leadership Award

Address by Charlie Roache, Keep Australia Beautiful LITTLE Committee

Door prizes

Presentations after dessertGift Fund Prizes

2012 Dame Phyllis Frost Award

2012 Tidy Town of the Year Award

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1 Bairnsdale 2 Beechworth 3 Bruthen4 Cape Paterson 5 Coal Creek 6 Corinella 7 Dartmoor8 Dimboola 9 Geelong10 Hastings11 Heyfield 12 Horsham13 Inverloch14 Kinglake15 Lake Boga 16 Leongatha17 Manangatang 18 Mildura

19 Millgrove 20 Moonambel 21 Mornington 22 Mount Eliza23 Newhaven 24 Orbost25 Portland26 Pyramid Hill 27 Rainbow 28 Rutherglen 29 Sale 30 Stawell31 Walhalla 32 Wangaratta 33 Watchem 34 Wycheproof 35 Yarragon 36 Yendon

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Locations of the 2012 Finalists

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Entree

1 & 2 Poached fillet of snapper with Mount Martha mussels, saffron broth and local watercress salad (g/f)

3 & 4 Peninsula hinterland lamb crusted with Red Hill dukkah on a salad of roast capsicum, tomato and cumin scented yoghurt (g/f)

Main course

5 & 6 Peninsula eye fillet pan seared and resting on potato rosti with cauliflower puree, baby spinach and Dromana Estate shiraz jus (g/f)

7,8 & 9 Free range breast of chicken filled with Mornington’s Blue Bay Cheese (fetta) on crushed kipfler potatoes with Baxter heirloom carrots and Main Ridge wild lime infused olive oil (g/f)

Dessert

10 & 11 Pyramid of Sunny Ridge strawberry mousse with raspberry jelly and local honey and lavender syrup (g/f)

12 Dark chocolate tart with almond crisp and sweet Blue Bay Cheese (goats curd)

Sides

Peninsula baked sourdough bread Mixed green salad Italian style roast potatoes seasoned with garlic and rosemary

Coffee and tea

13 Red Hill Roast

Chocolate petit fours

Beverages

Sparkling

15 Stumpy Gully Sparkling 2011

White Wines

14 Mornington Estate 2011 Pinot Gris 15 Stumpy Gully Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Red Wines

14 Mornington Estate 2008 Shiraz Viognier 15 Stumpy Gully Vineyard Merlot Cabernet 2010

Beer

16 Mornington Peninsula Pale Cascade Premium Light

g/f = gluten free

Menu

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1. Bay Sea Farms (mussels)This local seafood farm sells mussels directly to the public from the Mornington Pier. As well as using zero food miles, they practice in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way in their aquaculture zone at Mount Martha. The mussels are grown in selected marine farming zones and they rigorously assess the water quality routinely.2. Peninsula Aquagrowers Pty Ltd (salad mix and herbs)The company has been specialising in hydroponic lettuce and herbs in Mount Martha for 20 years. They operate with low food miles by providing farm gate sales and selling produce to restaurants, cafes and fruit growers around the Peninsula. Their hydroponics system uses less than 5% of the water needed to grow crops in the ground. 3 & 5. Somerville Village meat (lamb and beef)Butcher Phil Revell runs a lamb and beef cattle property as well as his popular butcher shop. Phil supplies Peninsula Blue Ribbon Beef that is sourced entirely from Mornington Peninsula pastures and it is chemical, growth-hormone and antibiotic-free. He also sells lamb and beef from his own local farm resulting in less ‘food miles’.4. Green Olives at Red Hill (dukkah, olive oil)This family run business produce premium quality olives, grapes, herbs and vegetables and make a range of products such as dukkah, relishes, jams, olive oils and cordials. Green Olive adopts sustainable farming practices in its operations including capturing and storing all their own water, processing and re-using waste water and using kitchen leftovers as chook feed or compost.6 &14. Dromana Estate (shiraz jus, wine)Established in 1982 on the Mornington Peninsula, Dromana Estate celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2012. It now has around 52 acres of its 100 acre property under vine, a restaurant and cellar door housed in the historic Tuerong Homestead and produces wines under four labels: Dromana Estate; Mornington Estate; I Range (Italian wines) and David Traeger wines. The entire vineyard is irrigated with recycled water.7 & 12. Blue Bay Cheese (fetta and goats curd)Blue Bay Cheese in Mornington is a family business run by Andriy and Taras Kogut. Growing up in Ukraine, they learnt the art of cheese making from their grandmother.They arrived in Melbourne and opened their factory in 2005. They produce a variety of preservative free yoghurts and cheeses with everything controlled by hand, not by computers.8. Peninsula Fresh Organics (heirloom carrots) This family-run business is located in Baxter on the Mornington Peninsula and specialises in organic heirloom/heritage vegetables. They are fifth generation market gardeners that pick their produce fresh the evening before market or home delivery. Their organic carrots are grown without any artificial fertilisers which allows growth at a correct pace giving carrots natural flavours and textures.

9. Main Ridge Olives (olive oil)A family owned and operated online business, Main Ridge Olives produce quality table olives that are 100% natural and locally sourced. All olives are handpicked and then cured by natural fermentation in a brine solution. This retains the true texture and flavour of the fruit which is then enhanced by marinating in red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, herbs and aromatics.10. Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm (strawberries)Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm is one of Australia’s largest strawberry producers, in the hinterland of the Mornington Peninsula. They are committed to conserving their natural environment on the farm and have employed a number of methods to do this such as using natural insect predators to control pests and adding valuable organic mulches to enrich the soil.11. Busy Bees (honey)Lindsay and Martyn Wilson are Busy Bees honey. They are two local beekeepers that raise money for charity through their bee demonstrations and by selling honey. They attend all kinds of events to demonstrate how honey is collected and the different roles the bees play in the hive.13. Red Hill Roast (coffee) Established in the early 1990s Red Hill Roast is owned and operated on the Mornington Peninsula. They use the finest quality beans from all over the globe to create distinctive and award winning blends. They have now begun to source beans from Australian growers to create new blends.15. Stumpy Gully (wine)The family-operated Stumpy Gully Vineyard began in 1989. The unspoiled Moorooduc soils, the cool climate of the Mornington Peninsula, the unique mesoclimate between the bays, combined with modern viticultural techniques, contribute to the complexity and unique quality of the wines produced from this vineyard.16. Mornington Brewery (beer)The Mornington Brewery began in 2008 when friends Matt Bebe and Malcolm McLean devised the idea. They wanted to base it on tradition, industry and honesty and to identify with the Mornington Peninsula’s heritage of epicurean and leisure opportunities. Under their motto of “Be true to the beer and those who drink it”, they have successfully built a brewery boasting a variety of beers that are available on tap at the brewery and at local Mornington Peninsula hotels.

Snooks Catering, Catering Management of The Safety Beach Sailing ClubOur seasonal menu has been specifically created to showcase the wide variety and outstanding quality of produce from the Mornington Peninsula.

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Category Finalists

Community Action ≤ 3000 (population)

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

Watchem Lake Re-Development – Watchem Progress Association/Watchem Lake & Recreation Reserve Committee of Management

Community Action > 3000 (population)

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 Health Service

Inverloch Beach Fun Festival – South Coast Access Alliance

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

Resource Recovery & Waste Management

Bairnsdale Tipshop: Creating jobs from local waste – Bairnsdale Recycling Enterprise Inc

Creative Waste Awareness – Orbost Exhibition Centre

Horsham Wool Factory E-Waste program – Horsham Tidy Towns Committee

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

Cultural Heritage

Catalina Museum – Lake Boga Lions Club

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.

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Category Finalists

Pam Keating Environmental Sustainability

Best Bites Sustainable Food Guide – Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

Heyfield a “Sustainable Smart Town” – Heyfield Community Resource Centre

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

Protection of the Environment

Cape Paterson Foreshore Reserve Restoration Program – Cape Paterson Residents and Ratepayers Association

Community Garden/Wetlands/Mangrove Regeneration Program – St Joseph’s Primary School

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

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

Wycheproof Community Resource Centre – Wycheproof Community Resource Centre

Water Efficiency

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

Stawell Stormwater Alternative Natural Solutions (SWANS) Project – Northern Grampians Shire Council

Toilet to grass – North East Water/Indigo Shire

Water Saving/Recycling – Sale Tennis Club

Efficient Energy

Efficient Energy Science and Language Centre – Dimboola Memorial Secondary College

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

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Category Finalists

Active Schools 100 Years of Secondary Education – Orbost Secondary College

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 Amanda Roberts – Wangaratta Community Pride Committee

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

Bairnsdale Recycling Enterprise Inc

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

Tidy Town of the Year

Beechworth

Hastings

Orbost

Wangaratta

Wycheproof

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Tidy TownsCelebrating 30 Years

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Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria (KABV), was founded in 1968 by Dame Phyllis Frost AC, DBE, DSocSc (Hon) and has a proud history of encouraging and celebrating the sustainable actions taken every day of Victorians across our state. The Tidy Towns Awards began in Victoria in 1983 and in 2012 KABV celebrates the 30th

anniversary of the awards. Some towns have won Tidy Town of the Year more than once, including Horsham, Benalla, Cobram, Red Cliffs and Rutherglen.

The awards name changed in 2006 to its current title “Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards” to reflect the change of focus from litter to recognising the diverse ways in which Victorians improve, maintain and sustain their local environments every day. To celebrate 30 years, five community projects will receive a Gift Fund Prize funded by the KABV Gift Fund Committee.

Victorian Tidy Towns of the Year

1983 Broadford

1984 Cohuna

1985 Mildura

1986 Horsham

1987 Horsham

1988 Macarthur

1989 Maffra

1990 Portland

1991 Cobram

1992 Eildon

1993 Cobram

1994 Red Cliffs

1995 Lakes Entrance

1996 Rutherglen

1997 Mirboo North

1998 Red Cliffs

1999 Cobden

2000 Horsham

2001 Horsham

2002 Seymour

2003 Hastings

2004 Heywood

2005 Benalla

2006 Benalla

2007 Moe

2008 Horsham

2009 Beechworth

2010 Rutherglen

2011 Mornington

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Finalists Community Action ≤3000

Catalina Museum Opening Celebration – Lake Boga Lions Club

The Lake Boga Catalina Flying Boat Museum was officially opened in April 2012 during a weekend of celebrations planned and organised by the Lake Boga Lions Club. Over 2,000 enthusiasts from around Victoria attended, taking joy rides on floatplanes and revelling in the museum displays which celebrate a significant component of Australia’s wartime effort. Federal Member for Mallee, John Forrest MP, State Member for Swan Hill, The Hon Peter Walsh MP and Swan Hill Rural City Council Mayor, Cr John Katis officially opened the museum. The Lions Club also organised and hosted an official dinner for 100 guests, featuring America’s Cup winning skipper, John Bertrand AM. The success of the event is a tribute to the hard work and foresight of the Lake Boga Lions Club.

Charlton Ladies Afternoon Tea – Wycheproof VISION

In 2011 devastating floods inundated 80% of Charlton homes. In the weeks following the floods, women of Wycheproof and Warragul delivered carloads of new toys and 50 handmade quilts to families. Later the same year, proactive community group, Wycheproof VISION, hosted the Charlton Ladies Afternoon Tea where 140 hobby, house and care kits were put together and presented to women of Charlton affected by the floods. It was hoped the kits would rekindle their hobbies and social networks. The event included giveaways - donated by Darrell Lea, Stephanie Alexander and Spotlight - as well as hand massages and craft demonstrations. It also featured a special guest – the 2011 Victorian Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation’s Rural Women’s Award winner and Black Saturday survivor – Angela Betheras.

Enhancing Biodiversity in the Rutherglen District – Rutherglen Tidy Towns, Rutherglen Land Care Group

Rutherglen Landcare Group has a history of working to improve the biodiversity of the Rutherglen district. Through a $20,000 grant from the Caring for our Country Fund, the Rutherglen Landcare Group developed a project that involved the revegetation of 22 hectares of private land. The project – Enhancing Biodiversity in the Rutherglen District – aimed to increase the connectivity of remnant vegetation and protect available habitat for locally threatened species. Local community groups and schools worked in partnership to plant around 16,000 plants across 18 separate landholdings. The revegetated sites ranged from half a hectare to two hectares. The sheer size of this project clearly demonstrates the continuing commitment of the Rutherglen community to enhance and enlarge the biodiversity within this beautiful area of north east Victoria.

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Heyfield a “Sustainable Smart Town” – Heyfield Community Resource Centre

Through their close relationship with the community, the Heyfield Community Resource Centre identified the need to address issues around climate change and sustainability. With the leadership of existing staff, they recruited extra volunteers and additional paid staff to kick off the Sustainable Smart Towns Project. The team began by offering free replacements of light globes, showerheads and ceiling insulation for homes in Heyfield. They then took the project one step further and developed the Flag Program and the supporting website, Gippsland Green Centrepoint. The Flag Program saw 380 of Heyfield’s 700 homes and business assessed within nine months, meeting the project’s objectives of providing tips for disability and safety access and alternatives for reducing energy, waste and water. The program unified the people of Heyfield, now a leading sustainable community.

Moonambel Fireworks events – Moonambel Events Incorporation

The Moonambel Fireworks is a biannual event that has been running for 20 years. Proudly hosted by Moonambel Events Incorporation with support from Pyrenees Shire, local wineries and businesses, the event attracts up to 900 people of all ages. The magic and wonder of the fireworks particularly delights children and their families, enticing them to come back. A group of committed volunteers work hard leading up to the event planning entertainment, hiring equipment, advertising the event and seeking the relevant permits. Money raised from this event, and others run by the committee, goes back into the local community to fund projects such as the Moonambel streetscape and beautification and the development of walking tracks.

Sustainability Expo at the Orbost Show – Far East Victoria Landcare Inc

The Sustainability Expo was the culmination of hard work by local Landcare volunteers in partnership with community groups, including the Snowy Grower’s Network Community Gardens and Neighbourhood House. The event included 35 exhibitors of local sustainable products and services and had a focus on water, energy efficiency, gardening, alternative enterprises, recycling and localism. A series of presentations were held by well-known celebrity gardener Jerry Coleby-Williams that advocated water conservation, low carbon gardening and sustainable food production systems. A large group of Landcare volunteers assisted in the planning and execution of the event and as the event attracted a large crowd they are now hoping to make the expo an annual event.

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Community Action ≤3000 (continued)

Volunteers Achieving Excellence – Dartmoor & District Progress Association

For over 26 years the Dartmoor & District Progress Association has worked tirelessly to maintain and beautify the inner town areas of Dartmoor. The association has raised funds to purchase machinery used to complete the enormous job of mowing and maintaining the town. The group estimates that in the past 26 years a minimum of 21,500 voluntary hours have been spent on tasks such as mowing, whipper snipping, gardening, poisoning weeds and clearing public areas. The unique achievements of the association demonstrate what a small community can achieve by taking pride in their town and understanding the importance of maintaining and protecting the local environment.

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.

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Finalists Community Action > 3000

2012 South Gippsland Sustainability Festival – Sustainability Services, South Gippsland Shire Council

The 2012 South Gippsland Sustainability Festival - Living for the Future - featured more than 50 exhibitors promoting sustainable concepts and products encouraging residents to live more sustainably. The exhibition provided an opportunity for South Gippsland energy businesses to showcase products such as solar panels, wind power and ventilation options as well as a ground breaking low emission van, recently converted by a group of talented locals. Speakers presented on issues ranging from climate change to composting and the South Gippsland Landcare Network launched their Real Carbon Action program, which saw a donation of $50 converted into 25 trees for the region. Attendees could also sign up for a free 5-star water efficient showerhead courtesy of South Gippsland Water.

Bairnsdale Tipshop: A successful community partnership leading the way in waste – Bairnsdale Recycling Enterprise Inc

The Bairnsdale Tipshop was established in 2008 to boost employment by converting the town’s waste into useful products. The Tipshop partners with five local agencies including Mission Australia, Workways, Gippsland East Local Learning and Employment Network, Gippsland Lakes Community Health and Community College East Gippsland. The Tipshop 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. It has collaborated with the Community College to create ‘the recycled garden’ and has donated bikes to the unemployed. To date the Tipshop has created five jobs and in the past financial year has saved over 400 cubic metres of waste from landfill. It has generated turnover of $150,000 providing an economic boost of around $500,000 for Bairnsdale.

Beechworth Community Christmas Lunch – Beechworth Health Service

The second Beechworth Community Christmas Lunch was held on Christmas Day 2011 at the Beechworth Memorial Hall, where 100 local residents, who would normally be alone, gathered to share Christmas lunch. Volunteers hosted the lunch, wearing beautiful hand-made aprons. Guests received hand-crafted gifts including shortbreads with placemats and gift tags created by children and women of Beechworth. The staff at Beechworth Health Service helped organise the event. Local businesses and Beechworth community groups including the Salvation Army, Beechworth Community Support Committee, the Beechworth Neighbourhood Centre, Beechworth Rotary, Beechworth Neighbourhood Watch and Beechworth Lions Club helped make the lunch a memorable and joyful event.

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Community Action > 3000

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.

Remembering Trees - Community Action – Ovens and King Community Health Service

The Remembering Trees event encourages Wangaratta locals to plant a tree in memory of family, friends or pets who have died. It is a well regarded and appreciated community activity, allowing individuals to not only remember loved ones but to help the environment. Over 150 people have participated in the past three years with the 2011 event attracting 120 people of all ages. A unique partnership between Ovens and King Community Health Service and the Rural City of Wangaratta saw trees donated along with planting assistance, a dedication journal and refreshments. Signs have been erected at the site, a guide has been written and a community donation will provide future seating and signage before the 2012 event.

Sustainable Sunraysia Festival 2012 – Mildura Sun Festival Inc.

In 2011 Mildura hosted the Sustainable Sunraysia Festival. Held in conjunction with the region’s vibrant Farmer’s Market, the festival featured workshops, exhibitors and a diverse range of local food. It also played host to high profile speakers - Professor Ross Garnaut AO of the Australian National University and John Daley, Chief Executive Officer of the Grattan Institute. Run by a small committee of dedicated volunteers, the festival relies on financial and in-kind support from local government and sponsors. Exhibitors ranged from solar panel companies to community action groups. Locals learnt how to build and render a straw bale wall and heard from speakers on architecture, electric vehicles, retro-fitting, transition communities and community-owned renewable energy. The festival, which included a business breakfast, closed with a lecture at La Trobe University.

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Tea Cosy Extravaganza and Community Yarn Bomb – Hastings Community House

For over two months, 40 local knitters worked to create 36 extravagant tea cosies inspired by Loani Prior’s book of elaborate tea cosy designs. Displayed for a few days at the Hastings Community House, the tea cosies were complex and required a high degree of skill. Knitters of all levels were encouraged to join and master new skills, with local knitters available as mentors. Over 200 people attended the display and nearly all the tea cosies were auctioned by silent auction. From here the town went on to “yarn bomb” the Hastings Library precinct, an idea started by the Community Crafters Group, taken from local and international yarn installations. Over 30 locals of all ages came together to create a colourful display and transformed the local library into a woolly wonderland.

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Bairnsdale Tipshop: Creating jobs from local waste – Bairnsdale Recycling Enterprise Inc

Over the past four years, the Bairnsdale Tipshop has recovered over 400 cubic metres of waste from landfill; generated turnover of $150,000 and created five local jobs. The Tipshop has become an integral part of Bairnsdale’s local second hand network of op shops, working collaboratively to recover waste. They have also worked with local businesses, such as Patties Foods, to reuse drums. The group’s main aim is to reuse or reutilise items and, where this is not possible, recycle by dismantling items. Bairnsdale Recycling Enterprise Inc is committed to ensuring that local resources stay in the local community and that it follows sustainable practices in its day-to-day operations.

Creative Waste Awareness – Orbost Exhibition Centre

In 2012 the Creative Waste Workshop was held at the Orbost Exhibition Centre and was sponsored by the East Gippsland Shire Council (EGSC). The workshop brought together locals to introduce them to the benefits of transforming old and un-used materials into art. Refuse centres and transfer stations within the shire were asked to put aside materials that could be used for ‘Everything Old is New Again’ sessions. Pieces from these particular sessions, held throughout the Creative Waste Workshop, were then the focus of the Creative Waste art exhibition. The exhibition was opened in May 2012, and included art made from materials such as wood and plastic. Throughout the Creative Waste Workshop Gippsland Regional Waste Management Group and EGSC assisted artists to share skills and inspired others to think before adding to landfill.

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.

Finalists Resource Recovery & Waste Management

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Portland Community TV Recycle Initiative – Portland Sustainability Group

In 2011 a free television recycling program, with six drop-off points, was introduced around Victoria. The nearest drop-off point to Portland was in Hamilton - about 85 kilometres away. With televisions being dumped in the surrounding bush around Portland, the Portland Sustainability Group (PSG) took action and got involved in the program to help their community participate. As a result, the PSG organised to transport Portland’s televisions to the drop-off point via a truck to save households individual car journeys. A total of 26 tonnes, the equivalent of 1,350 televisions, was collected from Portland (a town of 2,500 people). With the support of a wide range of community groups such as the Lions Club, Surf Life Saving Club, Men’s Shed and Rotary, the project was a huge success.

Public Place Recycling at Sporting Venues in North East Victoria – NevRwaste

The Public Place Recycling Project began in 2010 targeting major sporting venues across north east Victoria. The project installed permanent and mobile public place recycling, with public signage and education, to reinforce the message that recycling needs to take place everywhere. Up to 35 recycling stations were installed at the Wangaratta Showgrounds and HP Barr Reserve allowing visitors to recycle at the Annual Show and many other regional and local events. Wangaratta Rural City Council then expanded the project with a further 22 stations at an adjoining oval. The installation of recycling stations in sporting grounds across north east Victoria recorded an average reduction in litter of 33%. The project incorporates nine sporting grounds across six municipalities and has diverted over 240,000 litres of recycling from landfill.

Wycheproof Waste Wizard Guide – Wycheproof VISION

In early 2012 local group Wycheproof VISION collaborated with the Central Murray Regional Waste Management Group to develop Wycheproof Waste Wizard - an easily accessible reference card listing items that can be recycled locally and the location of collection points. The wide range of recyclable items includes spectacles, printer cartridges, cylinders, steel, e-waste, stamps and batteries. The monthly local newsletter ‘Wycheproof On Track’ lists items being sought after in the community such as jars and egg cartons and items for community members to collect and reuse such as shredded paper for mulch. The program also promotes the mammoth recycling work performed by the Wycheproof Op Shop (household, clothing, toys) and Men’s Shed (building and tools). Both provide funds and services back into the local community.

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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

Hundreds of people descended on Yendon during the 150th anniversary celebration of the Geelong to Ballarat railway in April 2012. The rail line was first opened in 1862, and remained the only rail link between Ballarat and Melbourne for nearly 30 years until 1889. In preparation for the celebration, the Yendon History Group invited residents to take part in the Yendon History Hunt, uncovering local stories, photos and memorabilia from the past. With the support of several grants, the group created interpretive signs for display throughout Yendon to tell the story of what was once a thriving commercial centre. Signs included the identification of the locations of significant historic buildings that are now demolished and old photos of town life on public display.

Diversitat Reuse and Create Project – Diversitat

The Diversitat Reuse and Create Project facilitated the establishment of a craft circle to foster social engagement within the community combined with environmental education. Locals with culturally and diverse backgrounds were empowered to maintain cultural craft skills, share knowledge about reusing and recycling materials for craft and were provided with an opportunity to sell their crafts. The Reuse and Create Project has also assisted cultural communities in Geelong to learn about strategies around home environments, bin systems, water usage, energy and environmental cleaning systems. The group also designed and decorated reusable shopping bags, prompting discussions around shopping sustainably. It has developed strong and sustainable partnerships with local services and government. The craft circle continues to run in two locations while at the same time an additional sewing program (vocational training) has been established.

FinalistsCultural Heritage

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“Listen To Beechworth History” – Beechworth Morsecodians Volunteers

The Beechworth District Survey Office and Telegraph was built in 1858, connecting Beechworth to the outside world through Morse code. Today the building remains an active Morse code station and museum demonstrating how Morse code dramatically improved communication throughout the colony of Victoria and revolutionised global communications. In operation since 2001, the telegraph station has had 23 Morsecodian volunteers spending 42 hours per week managing, protecting, recording and enhancing the history of the building and its important role in the history of communications. Now the busiest Morse code telegraph station in the world, the volunteer operators handle over 5,000 telegraph messages each year. Thousands of children and tour groups are entertained by the skills of the operators communicating via Morse code.

Preserving Wycheproof Cultural Heritage – Wycheproof Historic Society

Operated by a small group of local volunteers, the Wycheproof Historical Society strives to preserve the history of Wycheproof and surrounding districts. Over the past few years it has undertaken significant tasks including the renovation of the National Trust Registered Court House, which the Wycheproof Historic Society now uses as its base. The group has also scanned and catalogued all artefacts and published two books – ‘Roaming Round the Mount’, a book celebrating the unique people that call Wycheproof home and ‘Steaming Up Broadway 2nd ed’, a history of rail in Wycheproof. In partnership with the Lions Club, Friends of Mt Wycheproof, Wycheproof VISION, Wycheproof P-12 College and Buloke Shire, the Wycheproof Historic Society has implemented interpretive boards at Centenary Park and Mt Wycheproof.

Restoration of Rutherglen Gold Battery – Rutherglen Tidy Towns, Gold Battery Committee

Described as ‘the jewel in the crown of the Indigo Gold Trail’ the Rutherglen Gold Battery facility perfectly captures the spirit of Victoria’s gold era. Supported by a Victorian State Government grant of $55,000, local volunteers spent over 15 years transforming the disused and rundown gold battery facility into a safe and viable part of the Indigo Gold Trail. The government run battery - consisting of a five-headed battery, Wilfery table, Bergin pan, portable steam engine and shed - began crushing quartz to recover gold in 1908. The centre now boasts a public viewing area, interactive audiovisual historical display, descriptive signage, car and bus parking and landscaping. Constructed from corrugated iron, the battery has been skilfully repaired and is truly reminiscent of Victoria’s pioneer history.

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Walhalla Ghost Tours – Walhalla Heritage and Development League (Inc)

The Walhalla Heritage and Development League is a completely voluntary organisation which owns and operates the museum, gift shop, tourist information centre and post office in the historic Gippsland gold mining township of Walhalla. The Walhalla Ghost Tours are a key attraction, raising over $30,000 in the past year for preservation and restoration projects in the town. Promoted as the ‘best way to uncover the hidden secrets of the town’, the two hour walking tours led by trained volunteer guides share the spine-chilling tales of the past. The tours are not only entertaining but they provide an educational insight into the significant role the township of Walhalla played in Victoria’s gold mining era.

Yarragon Railway Station Centenary Project – Yarragon & District Community Association Inc.

The use of rail has always been important to Yarragon and its railway station is central to the history and growth of the town. A small group of volunteers came together in 2011 to begin a project to restore the exterior of the station to its former glory in preparation for the Yarragon Station Centenary. The weekend celebrations were held in April 2012 with the locals treated to a supper ball, historical displays, vintage car and steam engine exhibition, markets, bands, a fashion parade and face painting. On hand to officially launch the project and open the celebrations was The Hon Terry Mulder MP, Minister for Transport and Roads, and the Governor of Victoria, Alex Chernov AC QC. The group has further plans to improve the station including restoring the station’s interior to allow for a community space.

Cultural Heritage (continued)

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Best Bites Sustainable Food Guide – Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

Launched in 2011, the Best Bites Food Guide includes voluntary assessments of food businesses in the Mornington Peninsula Shire, measuring the steps they take to use environmentally sustainable business practices, implement recycling and reuse initiatives and reduce the amount of waste taken to landfill. Businesses who demonstrate the required green credentials are awarded certificates and shop window stickers and are listed in the Shire’s Best Bites Food Guide - distributed widely to surrounding communities, as well as on the Council’s website. The program is the first of its kind developed by a Victorian council and is also in partnership with Western Port Biosphere Reserve, Mornington Peninsula Regional Waste Management Group, local food businesses and traders groups.

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.

Mildura Region Solar Hubs – Mildura Development Corporation

The local Mildura community, through leadership, relationship building and networking, took charge of its solar future through the development of a community bulk-buy solar partnership. Led by the Mildura Development Corporation, driven and initiated from the Mildura community though the Sunraysia Sustainability Network, Mildura Region Solar Hubs aims to help find locals the best quality and most efficient solar packages. The aim was to directly install a total of 785 kilowatts (kW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) to local homes and businesses. Throughout the life of the project, 1.6 megawatts (MW) of solar was installed across the region.

Finalists Pam Keating Environmental Sustainability

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Pam Keating Environmental Sustainability (continued)

Sustainable Leaders/Home Harvest Event – Mount Eliza Secondary College “Team VCAL”

Students at Mount Eliza Secondary College have been working hard on changing behaviour and increasing sustainable actions through their Community Food Swap and Sharing Centre. After learning about food miles and growing their own organic produce, the students developed the Home Harvest Swap Meet. This initiative invites people from the Mount Eliza Secondary College and the wider community to bring in their own produce and swap it with other’s produce to reduce waste, and as a result the entire community’s’ carbon footprint. Held on the last Friday of every month, the students are responsible for the marketing and advertising of the event, which helps to encourage positive interaction between community members and local young people.

Sustainability and Food Network Centre – Coal Creek Community Park and Museum

The Sustainability and Network Centre was established to showcase sustainability initiatives within the Coal Creek region. The centre grew out of the growlightly concept - an initiative of local produce providers who want local people to buy local products. Each week an enthusiastic group of producers bring their fruit and vegetables to Coal Creek and pack produce boxes for distribution. Growlightly’s volunteers source fruit and vegetables that are value for money while still supporting lower carbon emissions and generating economic benefits for local producers. Thanks to word of mouth the group now distributes (by electric car) 47 fruit and vegetable boxes per week with deliveries extending into neighbouring shires. An education program has been created to inform the local community as well as school children across Melbourne on sustainable agriculture.

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Finalists Protection of the Environment

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Finalists Protection of the Environment

Cape Paterson Foreshore Reserve Restoration Program – Cape Paterson Residents and Ratepayers Association

The 2012 Cape Paterson Foreshore Reserve Restoration Program aims to continue the eradication of woody and noxious weeds from the coastal dune area and revegetate the area with indigenous plants. This program is the latest in a series of sustainable or environmental programs run by the Cape Paterson Residents and Ratepayers Association since 2007. The removal of up to 120 large pine trees and other weeds, and the eventual revegetation of 15,000 indigenous plants have sparked the return and revival of native flora and fauna. The program has delivered key benefits to the community including control of erosion, improved access to walking tracks, the installation of interpretive signs, improved ecology of the marine environment in Brown’s Bay and the development of community education programs.

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 Commonwealth 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.

Nine Creeks a year on – Nine Creeks Working Group

In early 2011, the town of Dimboola fell victim to a one in 200 year flood which caused widespread damage to many homes and the local environment. In an effort to restore their town, the Nine Creeks Working Group took on the massive task of replacing the hundreds of trees washed away by the flood. They also worked tirelessly to tidy up the damage, repairing earlier works, slashing grass and levelling the ground. With the construction of boardwalks and a bridge across the Wimmera River, the area is now much more accessible and provides an attractive area for locals and visitors to enjoy.

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Protection of the Environment – Millgrove Residents Action Group

The Millgrove Environment Restoration Group (MERG) has been pulling weeds, carting rubbish and spreading mulch in Millgrove since 2004. The group dedicated its time to restoring a stretch of the Yarra River along Dee Road. First they cleared the space of blackberry growth and litter, then the group created a walking track to improve accessibility and installed seats and tables for community use. Local Millwarra Primary School assisted with planting up to 2,000 trees and Melbourne Boy’s High School helped to spread large amounts of mulch. MERG has worked with Melbourne Water, the Shire of Yarra Ranges and the Department of Sustainability and Environment in rolling out weed management programs and in turn MERG has been provided with training, administrative resources and funding for specific projects.

Recycle for Recovery – Kinglake Landcare Group

The Kinglake Recycle for Recovery Program began as an initiative of the Kinglake Landcare Group established in 2010. The program aimed to assist landowners manage threats to land, water and biodiversity, following the 2009 Victorian bushfires. They focussed on two major components - community education and land management works. The program delivered a series of education forums facilitated by Greening Australia, that provided advice to landowners on managing the bush and biodiversity on private properties. About 40 participants attended a series of evening lectures and weekend field trips delivered by environmental professionals. Facilitated working bees ensured participants were well supported when implementing their own land management improvements. The program also assisted in land restoration works on public waterway reserves and newly established parks and playgrounds such as Bollygum Park.

Tambo River Loop Track – Bruthen & District Landcare Group

Since 2006 the Bruthen & District Landcare Group has been restoring habitat on the Tambo River between the highway and rail trail bridges. With plans underway for a new River Loop Walk, the group worked hard to extend revegetation work, control erosion, improve biodiversity by replacing weeds with revegetation and create an attractive riverside experience for both residents and visitors. The steep terrain provided very challenging conditions, with much of the planting done from ladders laid up the bank. The site was dominated by a mass of weeds (notably kikuyu, blackberry, hawthorn, boxthorn, hemlock and thistles) and the group covered them in geo-fabric to suppress weed regrowth. About 15 different types of native plants were chosen to provide different colours of flowers throughout the year as well as habitat for native birds and butterflies.

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Best Bites Sustainable Food Guide – Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

The Best Bites Food Guide promotes sustainable food businesses and was developed by the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council who partnered with the Western Port Biosphere Reserve (WPBR) and Morgan & Griffin (shopping centre owners) to implement the program. Sustainability assessments were conducted at the Balnarring and Dromana Hub Shopping Centres, with up to 15 food businesses assessed on energy and water usage and waste generation. Morgan & Griffin plans to implement the assessment’s recommendations, including the installation of solar panels and water tanks. By adopting these recommendations each business will receive Best Bites certificates and window stickers and will be included in the 2013 Best Bites Food Guide. The council is now working with WPBR to introduce the Best Bites program to shopping centres and food businesses in neighbouring municipalities.

Cape Paterson Foreshore Reserve Restoration Program – Cape Paterson Residents and Ratepayers Association

Since 2007 the Cape Paterson Residents and Ratepayers Association, in partnership with other community organisations, has addressed environmental issues that negatively impact the flora and fauna of the foreshore reserve and community. In 2012 they developed a project that aims to continue the eradication of woody and noxious weeds from the coastal dune area and revegetate the area with indigenous plants. The project has controlled erosion, improved access to walking tracks and improved ecology of the marine environment in Brown’s Bay. It has also provided interpretive signs and community education programs which has created a sense of community pride in the program.

Hastings Community Hub – Hastings

Thanks to a partnership between the Victorian State Government and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, the recently renovated Hastings Community Hub now offers recreational, educational and social activities to a wide range of community groups. For over 30 years the centre played host to community fitness classes, gymnastics, squash and basketball until it was replaced by a new facility in a different location in 2003. Left vacant for nine years, the centre was rescued in 2005 through the Victorian Government Neighbourhood Renewal Program. The eight-year Neighbourhood Renewal project brought together the resources and ideas of residents, business, government, schools and community groups to develop the centre and boost community pride and participation. The site renovations have created a community facility perfect for learning and sharing community ideas.

Finalists Community Government Partnerships

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Mildura Region Solar Hubs – Mildura Development Corporation

Tired of the confusion surrounding solar energy, the Mildura community - in partnership with the Mildura Development Corporation and the Sunraysia Sustainability Network - developed the Mildura Region Solar Hubs (MRSH), a community bulk-buy solar partnership. The project aims to help find locals the best quality and most efficient solar packages. Supported and funded by Mildura Rural City Council, Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, and Sustainability Victoria, the aim was to directly install a total of 785kW of solar PV to local homes and businesses. Throughout the life of the project, 1.6MW of solar was installed across the region, not only through MRSH, highlighting an increased awareness of solar in the local community.

Multipurpose Facility and Sustainable Landscaping – Rainbow Primary School and Rainbow Secondary College - Co-location

Rainbow Primary School and Rainbow Secondary College joined forces to build a Multipurpose Centre for the enjoyment and benefit of all students in the Rainbow region. The centre includes a number of learning spaces for class, group and individual study, 10 kitchen stations, a modern generalist classroom and soundproof video conferencing study areas. The facility also caters for community events, committee meetings, school functions and adult learning. The school grounds were landscaped to complement the facility and feature timed sprinklers that use sufficient tank water to sustain grass and landscaped areas. The project involved extensive community consultation and was made possible through Victorian State Government and Federal Government grants in addition to parent group donations.

Restoration of Rutherglen Gold Battery – Rutherglen Tidy Towns, Gold Battery Committee

With the support of a Victorian State Government grant of $55,000, the Gold Battery Committee of volunteers was able to transform this facility, an important piece of Rutherglen history, into a safe and viable tourist attraction for Victoria’s Indigo Gold Trail. Built in 1908, the plant was used to crush gold-bearing quartz and extract gold. Described as ‘the jewel in the crown of the Indigo Trail’, the centre now boasts a viewing area, interactive audiovisual historical displays, descriptive signage, car and bus parking and landscaping. The partnership between the Gold Battery Committee and the Victorian State Government will allow future generations to discover the rich history of Rutherglen gold operations.

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Community Government Partnerships (continued)

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.

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Active Schools – St Macartan’s Parish Primary School

St Macartan’s Parish Primary School is home to 12 water tanks with a combined capacity of 160,000 litres. Rainwater is collected to flush toilets and timer taps ensure water wastage is minimised. The school grounds are planted with indigenous and native plants and heavily mulched, requiring minimal watering. Collected water is directed through a swale to help improve water quality and reduce the run off of untreated stormwater into the wider drainage system. Water features heavily throughout St Macartan’s curriculum, encouraging students to recognise the importance of water as a resource. Students work with local water authorities to create water habitats in the school ground and continue to improve their water saving initiatives.

Bowling Club Water Supply – Watchem Progress Association/Watchem Bowling Club Inc

Forced to find an alternative means of providing water to maintain the town bowling green, the Watchem Progress Association identified a stormwater catchment at the local grain storage area and a large dam for storage near the recycle depot. Initially the water was transported using local farm trucks, but in an effort to establish a more efficient solution, a plan was devised to pipe the water the two-kilometre distance from the storage dam to the green. The club was successful in obtaining the grants and approvals for the laying of pipe and provision of a storage tank including the donation of a solar water pump to move the water to the tank.

Health of the River System Youth Forum – Health of the River System Youth Forum Board

For over 12 years, year nine and ten students from Rotary (District 9520) encompassing Robinvale to Victor Harbour have come together to learn about the health of our rivers at the Health of the River System Youth Forum. The event is held at Lake Cullulleraine, 60 kilometres west of Mildura, and provides a four-day hands on learning experience that informs students about the complexities of water resource use, natural resource management issues, developments in sustainable resource use, implications of climate change for freshwater resources as well as developing leadership, team work and communication skills. It challenges students to examine the importance of the river environment within communities as well as highlights the positive role young people can take in education and changing attitudes towards water.

Finalists Water Efficiency

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Stawell Stormwater Alternative Natural Solutions (SWANS) 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 (SWANS) 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 reuse 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.

Toilet to grass – North East Water/Indigo Shire

The Toilet to Grass Project is a recycled water scheme that began in 1997. Funded by a Victorian State Government grant, the pilot program was developed to assist communities to maintain their park and gardens during the drought using recycled water. Rutherglen High School was the first to get involved in the program and had recycled water connected for the irrigation of sports grounds. Rosewood Winery used the water for the growth of lucerne. Recipients of the scheme have also included Barkley Park Football Ground, Rutherglen Golf Club, the Research and Development Centre for Uncle Toby’s, Rutherglen Bowling Cub, Apex Park Memorial Gardens and Rutherglen Primary School. Now in operation for over 10 years, it is hoped the program will continue and supply recycled water to the Information Centre, the Senior Citizens, the Lions Park and the railway development in Rutherglen.

Water Saving/Recycling – Sale Tennis Club

Over the past five years Sale Tennis Club has worked hard to reduce its environmental impact and become more sustainable. Home to 14 clay and six grass courts, the club must use large amounts of water to ensure court maintenance and upkeep. From 2007 to 2008, in conjunction with Gippsland Water and the Wellington Shire Council, the club developed a watering system using recycled storm water from nearby Lake Guthridge. The waste water was so effective in reducing overall water usage that the club received a full exemption from further water restrictions from Gippsland Water during the height of Victoria’s water restrictions. Water savings were further increased by the closure of the grass courts that required substantial watering.

Water Efficiency (continued)

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Finalists Efficient Energy

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

The Valhalla Winery and cellar door has been designed and built with sustainability and energy efficiency as a priority and the recent development of their straw bale house is no exception. Built in 2007 from cereal straw bales from the western Riverina, the building features double-glazed windows, recycled timber floors, a double-insulated roof, as well as night-flush fans to remove hot air and mud walls. The 160,000 litre rainwater tanks supply all the water needs for the house and gardens and the worm farm treats all sewage and grey water transforming it into liquid fertiliser, which is used on the surrounding gardens. Designed on passive solar principles, the building can have a temperature difference of 20 degrees Celsius between outside and inside.

National Solar Schools Program Project at Pyramid Hill College – Pyramid Hill College

In 2010 Pyramid Hill College received $50,000 as part of the National Solar Schools Program that will see the installation of a 20,250 watts solar PV system. The solar system will help to cut the school’s energy costs and provide both the school and wider community with the opportunity to learn more about energy efficiency and sustainability. Sustainability will also become an integral part of the school curriculum led by the Sustainability Coordinator. As part of this program, students and teachers will catalogue electrical appliances, measure energy consumption and examine the positive impact of the solar project on the environment. It is expected Pyramid Hill College will reduce energy consumption by 26,901.6 kW per year, resulting in an abatement of 33.1 tonnes in annual CO2 emissions.

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Efficient Energy (continued)

Solar Power – Sale Tennis Club

Sale Tennis Club aims to become a leading example in the Wellington Shire of a sustainable and energy efficient club following the installation of a 5kW solar system. The system will power club facilities and the excess power will be generated back into the grid, reducing both the club’s energy costs and its impact on the environment. With over 330 members and one of only four tennis clubs in Victoria to have solar power, the club is a leading example of how communities can assist in the reduction of carbon emissions and tackle climate change. The solar project itself was a unique community partnership, with an initial Community Assistance Grant from the Wellington Shire Council and further funding from Sustainability Victoria under the Solar in Schools Rebate Program.

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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

As part of the Advance Program at Manangatang P12 College, students select a community project to actively engage and develop new skills. Projects have included design of an educational mural board, landscaping a newly designed play area and erecting a small bridge. Some students partnered with the Parent Club and planted a vegetable garden in a new area of the school. One group of students visited the local hospital on a weekly basis to perform volunteer tasks and talk to the elderly residents. In 2012, students have been creating designs for car bonnets to be placed on the boundary fence east of the play area. They have been working with a local artist to learn how to produce a professional result.

Community Garden/Wetlands/Mangrove Regeneration Program – St Joseph’s Primary School

With the help of the entire Crib Point community, St Joseph’s Primary School planned, built and developed a community garden featuring healthy and sustainable produce - a first for the school. It has been so successful in engaging both students and parents on the importance of providing a healthy and sustainable environment that the school is now in the process of developing wetlands, a mangrove research building and an outdoor kitchen and classroom in an area of the school attached to the community garden. The mangrove research centre will play an important role in propagating mangroves for replanting in Western Port Bay. These interconnected learning areas allow the community to explore the full suite of St Joseph’s sustainability initiatives, from the garden to the outdoor kitchen and through to the wetlands and mangrove research centre.

Finalists Active Schools

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From Little Things Big Things Grow – Bass Valley Primary School

At Bass Valley Primary School what began as a local mangrove project has grown to encompass every day actions, with sustainability now part of everything the school does. Teachers, parents, community members and students began collecting mangrove seeds, propagating them and replanting seedlings, and in the process replanting over 1,000 mangroves. From here they have developed a hothouse, vegetable garden and orchard, and all waste is either recycled or composted. Each classroom sorts rubbish and is responsible for leading activities such as composting, worm farming and power audits. Children are encouraged to use reusable containers for their lunches and the canteen uses reusable lunch bags. Large roof areas now house water tanks for all their water needs and they have even switched the school pool from gas to solar.

Get active get healthy from the garden to the plate – Newhaven School Junior School & Bass Coast Shire Council

Grade four students at Newhaven College, in partnership with their teacher and the Bass Coast Shire Council’s Waste Education Officer have been getting active and healthy by planting an organic veggie garden at their school. Students raised their own seeds in the hothouse before planting them in the expanding garden. Parents also contributed their time, expertise and relevant tools. The garden is now teeming with fresh vegetables and is home to four chickens producing eggs that are sold to the school community. Nothing goes to waste at Newhaven with worm tea and chook droppings reused to enrich the garden beds. All produce is used in school class cooking and as healthy snacks for the school community.

Let’s Go Fishing! – Wangaratta High School Community Learning Challenge Water Group

Right from the start, students of Wangaratta High and members of the Wangaratta Sustainability Network’s Restore our Waterways group have dedicated themselves to developing a vibrant learning experience around the health of our waterways. For the past four years, a different group of students participated in the ongoing challenge of cleaning up the local waterways. The students have cleared rubbish from creeks, learnt to assess the health of waterways by the macro-invertebrate species that live within them as well as water testing. They have also discovered new breeding grounds, learnt how to remove alien fish as well as protect the native fish and prevent rubbish entering the heritage-listed Ovens River. Fish traps and rubbish pits have been positioned along One Mile Creek and students have constructed nest boxes to encourage native animals to nest in the trees along the creek.

Active Schools (continued)

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“New Beginning” – Wooragee Primary School

The new Wooragee Primary School stands in the same spot as the original 150 year old building but this time, thanks to students, teachers and the Beechworth community, its environmental impact is dramatically reduced. Boasting a 6 Star Green Star rating, the building captures the northern sun and is kept cool by six 100 year old elm trees. Rainwater tanks supply enough drinking water and water for the garden and the frog bog pond. Timers also ensure lights are not left on when the buildings are not in use. The school conducts an integrated curriculum where students are explicitly taught sustainable living practices and strategies through programs such as battery recycling, composting and frog conservation. Each Friday, students take part in Stephanie Alexander’s Kitchen Garden Program where they grow, harvest, prepare and share good food.

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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

Hastings’ Shed 11 Youth Centre Project provided an opportunity for young people to work alongside local community volunteers in the planning, development and implementation of a backyard space where young people could hang out. The project included hands on construction of a BBQ bricked area, wood fire pizza oven, hothouse, vegetable boxes, outdoor communal area and compost bins, the installation of garden beds and various art projects. Young people were heavily involved in the planning and execution of the project, with local community members engaged in a mentoring role. It is hoped that these same people will actively engage in further education, training and volunteering opportunities made available to them throughout the duration of the project.

Sam Mitchell – Orbost - East Gippsland Pride

Year 12 student at Orbost Secondary College, Sam Mitchell, is a keen cyclist and has a great appreciation of the natural environment. Sam has managed to combine his two passions through his latest invention and preferred mode of transport - his very own solar bike. He was invited to attend to present his invention at Questacon’s Invention Convention in Canberra in 2011. Sam regularly shares his cycling skills with the local community through workshops about bike riding and maintenance at venues such as the Landcare Sustainability Expo at the Orbost Agricultural Show, Neighbourhood House and Bairnsdale Community College. With his sound knowledge of local bush tracks he also often leads bike tours for local family business, Guided Cycle Tours.

Finalists Young Leaders

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Sustainable Leaders – Mount Eliza Secondary College “Team VCAL”

At Mount Eliza Secondary College, the Year 12 Victorian Certificate and Learning students lead the way on sustainability both at school and in their wider community. They develop and promote sustainable initiatives with minimal assistance from teaching staff. Their major initiatives include composting all of the school’s organic waste into bins made out of recycled pallets; recycling materials whenever possible; collecting and shredding waste paper for use in animal pens; using wood shavings from wood work for use on local gardens; hosting a home harvest food swap; planting an organic garden; campaigning against the use of plastic wrapping in lunch boxes and organising speakers on key environmental issues across the school.

Tamsin Greenwood - Indigo Shire Solar Ambassador – Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee

Biodynamic beef farmer and sustainability advocate Tamsin Greenwood is 26 years old. She is passionate about ecological farming, increasing production and consumption of local food, placing higher value on food quality and getting young people back into farming. In her role as coordinator of Landlinks - a forum to link landholders with aspiring farmers and food growers - she aims to connect aspiring farmers and inspire a new wave of alternative land agreement models for farming. Tasmin is Solar Ambassador for Indigo Shire, providing tips to locals on how to improve the sustainability of their homes and businesses, how the Solar North East Project works, the current feed-in tariffs, and the rebates available through Small Scale Technology Certificates.

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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 full-time 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

Inspired by the Kinglake Firefoxes, a grassroots support group that emerged following the Black Saturday bushfires, the Indigo Fireflies project is focused on building the skills, knowledge and networks of women in the Indigo Shire in preparation for a crisis or trauma. The Indigo Fireflies do this via a range of activities that connect women across the shire, support the building and retention of networks and up skill women to provide support and healing after a crisis. The group is presented by the Beechworth Neighbourhood Centre in partnership with Indigo University of the Third Age, Yackandandah Community Education Network, Stanley Ladies Group, The Beechworth Community Support Group, Indigo Shire Council and Integrated Primary Mental Health Service.

Coal Creek Literary Festival

Now in its fifth year, the Coal Creek Literary Festival was originally founded by a collective of literary minded community members including authors, poets, writers and book club members. The aim of the festival is to connect community members with the local and international literary community. The festival features a collective of eight writers, poets and publishers who engage in an all day workshop followed by a panel discussion. A writing competition runs in conjunction with the event and has an open section for adults and children. A picture book competition is run specifically for South Gippsland schools. The gala night includes a theatre and music performance to raise funds for a nominated charity and is well supported by local businesses.

Finalists Community Leadership

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Greg Missen - Rotary Mildura (District 9520)

Greg Missen is a husband, father and a member of Rotary Mildura (District 9520). For the past three years Greg has coordinated the delivery of the Health of the River System Youth Forum – a four-day camp in which students come together to learn about the health of our rivers. The forum is held annually but Greg’s commitment is year-round completing grant applications, developing new content, liaising with key stakeholders and managing the administrative matters associated with the event. In 2010 Greg took a lead role in preparing a new Sustainability and Climate Change unit for inclusion in the forum. Greg has a personal commitment to enhancing young people’s understanding of the challenges faced by the environment and those who manage it.

Heyfield Community Resource Centre

The Heyfield Community Resource Centre is leading their community into more sustainable action through their recently developed and implemented sustainability programs. The programs are aimed at providing residents and business with information on how to reduce their carbon footprint. Under the Flag Program - a three stage 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. Executed by staff and volunteers, this project demonstrates the power of community action and leadership in bringing communities together to tackle key issues such as climate change.

Lake Boga Lions Club

The Lake Boga Catalina Flying Boat Museum is now one of the premier tourist attractions of the Swan Hill region thanks to the dedication of the Lake Boga Lions Club. In 2011 work began to restore the secret underground communications bunker, home to the museum and the many donated exhibits and artefacts. In late 2011 the museum was relocated from the bunker into the hangar with the Catalina flying boat with help from the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society. The group painstakingly reconstructed the bunker using original plans and photographs to resemble its wartime state. Officially opened in 2012, the museum is a true memorial to the service men and women stationed at Lake Boga during World War II. The club also managed to incorporate water saving measures for surrounding gardens, improved the entrance and car parking facility, designed and organised signage and created the native garden around the museum.

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Sale Tennis Club

Over the past two years, the Sale Tennis Club has raised funds for a host of organisations and has demonstrated leadership to engage their membership on key issues. In 2011 they raised money for Gippsland Women’s Health Service, a service responsible for promoting women’s health throughout the Gippsland area. In 2012 the club worked to provide its younger members with a greater appreciation of alcohol-related issues through participation in the 2012 Australian Drug Foundation’s FebFast, raising nearly $3,000 for youth drug and alcohol programs. It has also hosted two Come and Try Days, attracting almost 150 school-age indigenous participants from Wellington, Latrobe and East Gippsland Shires with the latest program run by 14-time Grand Slam legend, Evonne Goolagong Cawley AO MBE.

St Macartan’s Parish Primary School

Sustainability teams at St Macartan’s Parish Primary School encourage the reduction of waste, energy and water throughout the school, regularly monitoring and reporting on consumption. Home to 500 students, the school building, surrounding gardens and the sustainability centre, which includes a kitchen garden, compost centre and animal husbandry, all act as vehicles for the development of behaviours that exemplify sustainability. St Macartan’s employs a holistic approach which nurtures the development of a community that is aware of the world around it. Students are engaged and encouraged to make a difference locally and globally with some acting as ambassadors for the Dolphin Research Institute and participants in the Melbourne Zoo’s Lord Howe Island stick insect breeding program.

Community Leadership (continued)

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FinalistsTidy Town of the Year

Beechworth

The proactive and vibrant town of Beechworth has again produced a wide range of initiatives that demonstrate sustainability, protection of its heritage and history and the enhancement of its town. The community, along with Indigo Shire is dedicated to sustainability. Its young women and men have stood up as leaders, facilitators and mentors to put in place the frameworks required to tackle grass roots issues such as climate change, ecological farming, food production and employment. Community groups, including the Indigo Fireflies, the Beechworth Health Service staff and 30 local volunteers, have worked to establish relationships with those people who need support, particularly in times of crisis.

Hastings

As the commercial capital of the Western Port and the Peninsula’s major industrial centre, Hastings offers a diverse and vibrant lifestyle. Community action is high on the agenda with people of all ages participating in the recent Tea Cosy Extravaganza and the Community Yarn Bomb. Both are examples of how a community can have fun, be creative and make a difference while establishing new connections. Partnering with other like-minded organisations, Hastings has been able to continually improve the range of services it provides, increasing people’s pride in the community. The Shed 11 Youth Centre is a great example of this, offering a space for young people to hang out, remain engaged and learn new skills.

Orbost

Individuals, groups and sporting organisations, local businesses, churches, primary schools, the local newspaper and an enormous amount of volunteers all underpin the thriving community of Orbost. Proud of its history, the town has recently celebrated some huge milestones that serve as a reminder of its rich past. Orbost is a generous community, with well supported fundraising appeals in the town including $51,715 raised in the Orbost Relay for Life and more than $30,000 raised through a local hotel for the Ronald McDonald House. Community and volunteer organisations such as Rotary, Lions, the Chamber of Commerce and Garden Club all combine to make Orbost a great place to live.

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Wangaratta

Wangaratta is a leading regional centre and the community enjoys access to innovative and creative activities and a range of services for all age groups. Well known for gourmet food and wines, historic trails and heritage and its extensive river system, it is a town where individuals, groups, service clubs, businesses and council, work together to create a sustainable community in a beautiful environment. This hard work is showcased through projects such as the Ovens River Precinct, Murray to Mountain Rail Trail, National Park Warby Ranges and the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre and Art Gallery. Wangaratta is also strongly supported by its diverse regional economy - home to manufacturing and transport and distribution activities - while surrounding small towns support industries such as viticulture, agriculture, horticulture and tourism.

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.

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Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria

For over 40 years Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria (KABV) has been celebrating the sustainable actions taken every day by Victorians across our state.

Founded in 1968 by Dame Phyllis Frost AC, DBE, DSocSc (Hon), KABV has grown from a simple anti-litter campaign to encompass sustainability activities as diverse as reducing waste, preserving heritage and culture, saving energy, improving biodiversity and conserving water.

KABV is managed by Sustainability Victoria and is part of a national network, with representation across Australia.

The Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards recognise the many different ways that metropolitan and beach communities in Victoria have taken action to protect and enhance their environment.

The Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards recognises regional communities and in 2012 is celebrating 30 years of rewarding Victorians for taking sustainable actions.

In addition to the Sustainable Cities, Clean Beaches and Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards, KABV offers two other programs:

Adopt a Roadside gives groups the opportunity to help restore and maintain sections of their local arterial road network, protecting environments and increasing community pride and ownership.

Stationeers encourages groups to improve the appearance and surrounds of their local railway station, giving them a sense of pride in what is often the gateway into their community.

Investing in our communitiesKABV welcomes financial contributions to our community Gift Fund which funded the Gift Fund Prizes. The Gift Fund was set up to help communities do more, today and every day. All donations over $2 to the KABV Gift Fund are tax deductible. To invest in our vibrant communities, please contact KABV.

ContactTo become a KABV member or for more information about KABV programs, contact us on:

Phone: +61 (03) 8626 8700 Email: [email protected] Website: sustainability.vic.gov.au/kabv

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Recommend a friend!With your help, KABV continues to recognise the work of every beach, every city, every town, every day.Do you know of a great initiative that could be entered in the KABV Awards? Benefits include: • Increased community participation and ownership in local environments. • Increased local tourism and media coverage. • The opportunity to be crowned Victoria’s Clean Beach, Sustainable City and Tidy Town of the Year. • Involvement in the national Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns and Sustainable Cities Awards. • Access to the broad networks of Sustainability Victoria.

Importantly it’s a chance to recognise the hard work that is happening in your communities every day.

If you know of someone who might be interested in KABV

tell us about it!

Email details to [email protected]

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Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Urban Workshop Level 28, 50 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Ph: +61 (03) 8626 8700 Fax: +61 (03) 9663 1007 Email: [email protected]

sustainability.vic.gov.au/kabv