By CASEY NEILL
GREEN thinkers in Greater Dandenong have received applause and prizes.
The council presented its first Sustainability Awards at the Greater Dandenong Sustainability Festival on 22 March.
Up to 5000 people packed Dandenong Market for the second annual event, up from about 2000 last year, to enjoy entertainers, make pedal-powered smoothies, watch cooking demonstrations and hear from gardening experts.
The day celebrated innovative ideas and offered practical, environmentally-friendly solutions to being greener in the home, backyard and office.
Mayor Sean O’Reilly said the Sustainability Awards recognised and rewarded community members who had embraced, promoted and contributed to environmental sustainability in the municipality.
“It is important that we celebrate the many people in the Greater Dandenong Community who are leading the way by creating an even cleaner, greener, Greater Dandenong,” he said.
There were three award categories – schools, home and garden, and students – and information boards explained the efforts of the finalists and winners.
“It is important to recognise these environmental champions as we believe their efforts will inspire others in our community,” Cr O’Reilly said.
Robert Spence took home the Sustainable Home and Garden award for improvements to energy and water efficiency, waste management and food production in his garden.
A 6kW solar panel system, multiple rainwater tanks, a grey water system, a large vegetable garden and more earned him a $300 Bunnings Warehouse voucher.
Category finalists Karen Buckley, Heng Tov, Vivien Dews and Amanda McCracken won $150 gift vouchers.
Springvale’s Athol Road Primary School won the Sustainable Schools award and a $700 Bunnings voucher for enhancing the environmental sustainability of its school grounds and surrounds.
It used recycled and donated materials to set up a natural wetland in a disused space and uses the area for environmental education lessons and programs.
Category finalists could choose between a voucher or facilitated activity valued at $350.
Keysborough Community Children’s Centre was recognised for engaging children at an early age through environment-themed activities and programs.
Silverton Primary School has been equipping students with knowledge and skills to help ensure the planet’s sustainability and Harrisfield Primary School has reduced energy, water and waste consumption.
Dandenong High School has established the Dandenong High Environment Response Team, enabling students to understand environmental issues and drive outcomes that benefit the school community.
Andrea Iuga and Manisha Shanmugan shared the Sustainable Students award and each took home a $100 Myki card and $150 Dandenong Plaza voucher.
“Both these students have demonstrated leadership by raising awareness on local environmental issues to their school, their peers and the Greater Dandenong community,” Cr O’Reilly said.
“This includes their participation in the Dandenong High Environment Response Team and presenting at the Kids Teaching Kids conference last year on the topic of water conservation and pollution.”
