Three local projects have taken home Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Tidy Towns and Cities – Sustainability Awards in recognition of their contributions towards a more sustainable and resilient region.
The awards have been running for 41 years and celebrate the environmental achievements and community spirit of community groups, councils, educational institutions and businesses across Victoria.
The City of Greater Geelong is proud to have supported the delivery of the following award-winning projects:
- Farm My School: This program turned a disused soccer field at Bellarine Secondary College into a community-built 1.5-acre market garden, supplying food to locals and promoting healthy eating, ecological stewardship, and connection.
- Climate Safe Rooms: This Geelong Sustainability-led project enhanced the comfort of the homes of some of our most vulnerable community members by creating energy-efficient rooms that are fully insulated, draught-proofed and equipped with high-efficiency air-conditioning and small solar systems. The rooms withstand temperature extremes, offset costs and provide health benefits.
- Barwon South West Community Power Hub: This Geelong Sustainability-led initiative united nine community energy groups and councils in the Barwon South West region to develop and deliver implementation-ready renewable energy projects and practices for a greener future.
A further three local projects were also selected as finalists at the annual awards:
- Bellarine Rail Trail Environmental Restoration: Each year, the Friends of the Bellarine Rail Trail plant approximately 7,000 plants and contribute hundreds of voluntary hours of work to enhance and maintain the 35-kilometre trail. This community group's efforts have helped create a vibrant ecosystem that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
- Modern Cloth Reusable Nappy Program: This City-led project helps parents and carers save money and reduce their disposable nappy waste by providing educational workshops and heavily subsidised nappy packs.
- Geelong Community Solar Program: Geelong Sustainability harnessed large-scale buying power to enable 281 local households and businesses to afford over $4 million worth of solar and battery storage systems, which are projected to reduce emissions by 54,740 tonnes of CO2e over the next 25 years.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
It is an honour to be recognised at these longstanding awards.
Council congratulates the many dedicated community members involved in the winning projects that aim to protect and enhance our environment through community action.
We are also proud to see our City-led and supported projects, guided by our Clever and Creative aspirations, have resonated with the community.
All these initiatives empower the community, change behaviour, reduce waste and inspire others to get involved and for that, we thank you!
Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken
The awards highlight how effective people power is and just how much the community cares about making our environment more beautiful.
If you're interested in joining a community group, head to our community directory and select 'Environment and sustainability' to find out what's on near you.
There are nature volunteer groups, food swaps, environmental protection groups and more available.
