The Rockhampton region's future looks bright as Council this week announced winners of the annual Sustainability in Action competition, celebrating locals who put environmental change into practice.
The competition invited households and schools to submit photos of their everyday sustainability actions that help look after the environment so the environment can continue to look after us.
Environmental Councillor Elliot Hilse said the response from schools this year was outstanding, with Sustainability Champions awarded across all competition themes.
"These entries show that, through passionate educators, our region's students are not just learning – they're leading by example," said Cr Hilse.
"One standout entry was St Peter's Catholic School which not only showcased their commitment to sustainability, but, also to social justice, by selling handmade and grown items to raise money for the charity, Caritas Australia.
"Students sold fresh herbs and bananas at the school fair from the school's veggie garden and also crafted beautiful wind chimes from natural seed pods – a wonderful model for green gift giving.
At Marmor State School students used leftover food scraps in the school worm farm, to learn about fighting food waste.
"We take any leftover food waste to the compost bin instead of it going in the rubbish bin," the students said.
"We use the compost bin to make the worms happy and healthy, and the worms give us good nutrients to help grow our food."
"And in our households, we can be assured there are tangible actions underway turning intention into impact as well," said Cr Hilse.
"The Smith family in Berserker are a wonderful example of implementing sustainability as a way of life in their family.
"They found a pre-loved table at the local Reviva Ibis Reuse shop and restored it together as a family project."
Mum Codie Smith said their projects helped to teach environmental care, creativity and responsibility.
"For us, restoring old furniture instead of throwing it away helps reduce landfill waste, saves natural resources, and lowers the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new items," Mrs Hanson said.
Cr Hilse thanked the community and schools throughout the region for their entries in 2025.
"I'd encourage others to follow the example of our 2025 Sustainability Champions who are making simple everyday choices to put sustainability into practice," Cr Hilse said.
"Creating a more sustainable future starts with simple, mindful choices – whether it's making small changes at home, or embracing a new project, it is often easier than we might think."
Find more information and tips on sustainability here.
2025 Sustainability in Action Photo Competition – School Sustainability Champions
- Ridgelands State School
- Rockhampton Grammar School
- St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Park Avenue
- Marmor State School
- Allenstown State School
- Rockhampton Girls Grammar School
- Rockhampton State High School
- Waraburra State School
- Lakes Creek State School
- Depot Hill State School
- St Peter's Catholic Primary School.
2025 Sustainability in Action Photo Competition – Household Sustainability Champions
- Brittainy Brown
- Nicky Dobson
- Smith Family – Codie, William and Finnley.
