By CASEY NEILL
A SEARCH for Greater Dandenong’s environmental heroes is now on.
The council is calling for nominations for its new Greater Dandenong Sustainability Awards which recognise schools, students and families which are helping to make the municipality’s environment more sustainable.
Mayor Jim Memeti said there were three award categories – sustainable schools, sustainable students and sustainable home and garden.
“It may be your neighbour with a home full of sustainable gadgets, a tasty home vegetable garden and water-smart technology,” Cr Memeti said.
“We’re also looking for local schools teaching environmental principles and putting them into practice around the school.
“And school students who speak out for the environment or have worked on an impressive environmental project.”
Athol Road Primary School in Springvale South has impressive green credentials. Its student environmental leaders have been tasked with taking care of the school grounds.
The Animal Army maintains feed and water for the animals in the environmental studies room and cleans animal enclosures, while Garden Gurus take care of weeding, watering, raking, sweeping, pruning and planting.
Wetland Warriors monitor water levels and health, and remove rubbish and weeds, and Water and Energy Watchers promote water and energy conservation and monitor water and energy use around the school.
Waste Winners promote waste reduction ideas, co-ordinate composting and worm farm projects, host rubbish-free lunch days, and monitor and audit the rubbish that the schools generates.
The students also report to their peers about their areas and share what they learn.
Greater Dandenong Sustainability Awards prizes include vouchers for Bunnings, Gardenworld, Bicycle Superstore and Dandenong Plaza, MYKI cards and school incursions.
Winners will be announced at the Family Sustainability Festival on Sunday 22 March at the Dandenong Market, and will feature in a video promoting their efforts.
Nominate at www.greaterdandenong.com or pick up an entry form at a library or council customer service centre by Friday 5 December at 5pm.
