Nine inspiring individuals, schools, businesses and community groups have been recognised with a 2025 Tweed Sustainability Award for their outstanding efforts to protect and enhance the region's natural environment.
Winners were announced this evening at a special ceremony at the Cabarita Beach Bowls and Sports Club, attended by nominees and their supporters. Each winner received a trophy and prize in recognition of their efforts.
Held every 2 years, the Tweed Sustainability Awards celebrate the people and organisations making a meaningful difference to the Tweed's environment. This year, Council received 33 nominations across all categories, showcasing the depth of commitment to sustainability across the community.
Award categories and winners:
- Regenerative Agriculture: Woodland Valley Farm
- Wildlife Habitat and Conservation: Bilambil Landcare
- Urban Rewilding: James Fullerton and Robyn Twell
- Tourism and Hospitality: Pipit Restaurant
- Sustainability – Education: Coastal Academy of STEM Excellence
- Sustainability – Community: Team Koala
- Sustainability – Business: Caldera Brewing & Blending Co
- Sustainability – Adult: Luis do Carmo
- Sustainability – Young person (25 and under): Odin Walker
- People's Choice: Team Koala
Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said that the awards reflect the region's strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
"It's inspiring to see our community taking tangible steps to protect our environment," Cr Cherry said.
"We know our environment, wildlife and beaches are some of the main reasons people love living in the Tweed. These awards demonstrate how individuals are actively working to reduce their impact on the planet. Whether through school projects or business innovations, these efforts show that every action, big or small, can help create a lighter footprint on our beautiful Tweed."
Judges' highlights and observations:
Regenerative Agriculture: Woodland Valley Farm
A twice previous winner in the Tweed Sustainability Awards, Woodland Valley Farm continue to be at the forefront of regenerative agriculture in the Tweed. This year, they are being recognised for the improvements they have made to the processing and retail side of the business, and for demonstrating a near circular food supply and carbon positive system.
The team at Woodland Valley Farm was also commended for their goal to achieve net zero certification in the coming years.
Wildlife and Habitat Conservation: Bilambil Landcare
Bilambil Landcare, led by Gary Austin, has dedicated the past 2 years to planting 2,500 trees on a challenging site. These recent efforts add to the total of 30,000 trees planted so far. The consistent expansion of the area, while maintaining earlier regeneration areas, has improved landscape connectivity. The judges praised the group's future plans to expand wildlife corridors, highlighting their ongoing commitment.
Urban Rewilding: James Fullerton and Robyn Twell
The judges praised the first recipients of the new 'Urban Rewilding' award, James Fullerton and Robyn Twell, for their conscientious and caring efforts to support birds, native animals and insects on their property. They have planted hundreds of native trees and grasses and followed the Tweed Shire Council planting guide to determine what goes where. James and Robyn have also installed bird baths, native beehives and habitat for frogs on their property.
Tourism and Hospitality: Pipit Restaurant
This is Pipit Restaurant's second Sustainability Award, emphasising its role as a thought leader and educator in sustainability within the restaurant industry. The judges were impressed by Pipit's transparency and hyper-local sourcing from 41 local farmers and businesses in the region. Supporting this, they were recognised for their commitment to educating diners, demonstrated through initiatives such as their seaweed menu and Great Southern Reef education, and Gyotaku art classes on sustainable seafood.
Sustainability – Education: Coastal Academy of STEM Excellence
Coastal Academy of STEM Excellence is recognised for offering learning opportunities across the Tweed in areas such as conservation, renewables, the circular economy, and citizen science. The group was praised for its success in engaging multiple schools and stakeholders with problem-solving and educational experiences. Additionally, it was acknowledged for its future plans to continue supporting teacher professional development and to build partnerships with government and business organisations to promote real world learning.
Sustainability – Community: Team Koala
The judges praised Team Koala for their efforts in raising awareness of issues affecting koalas and for their effectiveness in reaching people across the Tweed. They highlighted the group's strategy for engaging with schools, markets and letterbox drops and noted that their detailed future work plan will support ongoing momentum.
Sustainability – Business: Caldera Brewing & Blending Co
Caldera Brewing & Blending Co are the recipients of the Sustainability – Business award for saving energy and integrating renewable energy into their operations. The group has diverted substantial amounts of waste and decreased water usage in processing. The judges were impressed by their use of whole fruit, imperfect fruit and local composters, as well as brewing methods that reduced refrigeration energy by 60 percent.
Sustainability – Adult: Luis do Carmo
Luis do Carmo, Head Chef of Potager restaurant, is recognised for reducing the restaurant's environmental footprint, integrating regenerative agriculture with fine dining, and inspiring others to do the same.
The judges were impressed by the fast and extensive implementation of a holistic and circular 'garden to plate' sustainability program. Luis's program has reduced red bin waste by more than one-third (480 L per week), diverting nearly half of that through innovative bokashi fermentation and regenerative practices. Additionally, Luis has planned and implemented a new waste sorting system, which has reduced packaging and organic waste. Luis has also gone to great lengths to establish a microbial anaerobic fermentation system which focuses on reusing organic materials on site: from the use of vegetable scraps for culinary ferments and reuse of seafood shells for chicken coop substrate. This repurposing of organic material for soil restoration is eliminating the need for compost.
The judges also remarked on Luis's efforts to educate staff and customers and assist others in the sector in expanding the adoption of international best-practice sustainability.
Sustainability – Young person (25 and under): Odin Walker
The judges were impressed with Odin's active involvement in his school community, which is recognised through multiple leadership positions. They highlighted Odin's passion for responsible consumption and belief in being accountable for reducing waste, citing this as inspirational for others.
People's Choice: Team Koala
Team Koala won the People's Choice Award, as voted by the community. A total of 1109 votes were received in support of the 33 nominees. Team Koala have raised awareness of issues and reached people across the Tweed through a clear, strategic work plan.
