Fifteen finalists have been selected in the ResourceSmart Schools' photography competition: Sustainability Through Your Own Lens.
After intense deliberation by a panel of esteemed judges - including representatives from the National Gallery Victoria, Museums Victoria and Regional Arts Victoria - 5 finalists have been selected in each of the categories: lower primary, middle years and senior school.
Responding to the prompt: 'What does building a climate-ready future mean to you?', students from across Victoria submitted their images accompanied by personal reflections.
With 90 entries from 28 schools, several images painted a profound picture of the apprehension young people are experiencing in the face of climate change. But the submissions also offer hope that our future leaders are passionate about protecting the environment.
Some entrants mentioned the small acts they perform each day to make a difference: like cycling to school, saving water and feeding food scraps to worm farms. Others reflected on the importance of the animals and plants around them and their personal connections with nature.
Sustainability Victoria's education team were impressed with the maturity of the entries.
'The depth of the student reflections has floored us. Alongside some trepidation about climate change, there was a focus on working together for a brighter future. It's inspiring.' said Rebecca Bliss Sustainability Victoria's Acting Director - Research, Education & Behaviour Change.
Winners in each category will be announced on Thursday 16 October 2025.
