Schools have until 22 March to enter the 2024 ResourceSmart Schools Awards, Victoria’s largest celebration for primary and secondary school students, teachers and school volunteers taking action on sustainability.
This year, Sustainability Victoria is marking 15 years of the ResourceSmart Schools Awards with the theme, ‘Legendary Legacies – what will you leave behind?’.
For inspiration from past award finalists and winners, schools can attend the Show and Tell Hall of Fame online presentation on 19 March.
Ms Katie Pahlow from Sustainability Victoria said the theme is a celebration of the outstanding work achieved by the hundreds of Victorian schools that have been part of the ResourceSmart Schools program.
“These schools are not only making a difference now but they’re leaving a legacy for the next generation through their sustainability endeavours,” she said.
“The ResourceSmart Schools Awards is an opportunity to recognise the tremendous achievements of the teachers, students, school staff and the wider community who are creating a sustainable future.
“I encourage all schools to showcase the environmental work they’re doing, no matter how small. Together, we can make a positive impact and inspire others to take action.”
Since 2008, more than 1,600 schools have participated in the ResourceSmart Schools program. Together, they have saved more than $45 million on bills, planted 5.3 million trees, diverted 155,000 cubic metres of waste from landfill and saved 1.6 million kilolitres of water, according to Sustainability Victoria.
Every primary and secondary school registered in the ResourceSmart Schools program is eligible to enter the awards and go in the running for a range of prizes presented at an awards ceremony held at the MCG on 4 June.
Award categories:
- Emerging School of the Year
- Campus Infrastructure and Operations School of the Year
- Student Action Team of the Year (primary and secondary)
- Teacher of the Year (primary and secondary)
- Community Leadership School of the Year (primary and secondary)
- Curriculum Leadership School of the Year (primary and secondary)
- School Volunteer of the Year
- ResourceSmart School of the Year
Sustainability Victoria can support schools entering the awards by providing written feedback and consultation meetings. Schools can reach out by email.
Entries close Friday 22 March 2024. For more information visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/resourcesmart-schools-awards-2024
Not a ResourceSmart School? Contact the Sustainability Victoria ResourceSmart Schools team here.