Tidy Towns Book Text
Intro
Keeping Australia and Victoria Beautiful
Every day around Victoria, people contribute to projects that conserve, protect and enhance their local
environments through Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria (KABV) programs.
KABV was founded 46 years ago by Dame Phyllis Frost - a woman renowned for her commitment to the
environment and community. Today, KABV is managed and delivered by Sustainability Victoria, and reaches
more than 225 communities and thousands of volunteers each year. KABV incorporates awards and volunteer
programs to celebrate grass-roots community action.
Community and environment groups, local councils, schools and individuals are all recognised for their contribution
to protecting our environment and making our state healthier, cleaner and more sustainable for current and future
generations. It is particularly inspiring to see young leaders showcasing determination and leadership in sustainable
activities that benefit their community. Each one of those people will tell you that the contribution they make, the
friendships they develop and the recognition they achieve are personally very satisfying and provide an enormous
sense of community spirit.
The Tidy Towns Awards spotlight the efforts that communities in rural and regional areas take to protect and
enhance their local environments. They encompass initiatives as diverse as litter prevention, recycling,
protection of the environment, preserving heritage, community action and leadership and environmental
sustainability programs. The Sustainable Cities Awards involve local people and their councils, increasing
council-community partnerships and genuine ownership of local environments.
In 2014, the Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria (KABV) awards have again highlighted the resourcefulness,
innovation and commitment of Victorians in cities and towns across the states who are contributing to more
sustainable and litter-free environments.
KABV also administers two state-wide volunteer programs that connect people in practical and positive ways.
The Stationeers program aims to improve the look and feel of railway stations across Victoria by removing
litter, installing murals, creating gardens and maintaining gardens. The Adopt a Roadside program reduces
litter on Victoria’s regional roadsides, while also undertaking revegetation work and the removal of weeds.
The volunteers who provide their time and energy to participate in these important programs are commended
for their strong sense of civic price, and the valuable role they play conserving and enhancing the state’s
environments.
All KABV programs aim to challenge and inspire Victorians to drive positive environmental and sustainable change
within their communities. They recognise and celebrate the ongoing contributions that Victorian people and
communities make every day to the sustainability of our communities, the improvement of our environment and the
quality of our lives.
Beechworth
Tidy Town of the Year
Located in the north-east of Victoria Beechworth is surrounded by trees, parklands and historical buildings
making it a popular tourist destination. Beechworth evolved from the gold rush and many historical artifacts
from the region are on show its 150 year old Burke Museum.
The town’s community prides itself on being environmentally pro-active and is supported by hard working
community groups who undertake individual and community-driven initiatives. This year projects included a
comprehensive guide to encourage consumers to source fresh food from local growers, and habitat protection
to ensure that Beechworth remains unspoiled for future generations. Beechworth boasts the highest density
of rooftop solar panel installation in Victoria and is set to embark upon the Indigo Shire’s community energy
generation project. From 1926 until 1946 Beechworth’s energy was powered by the Crossley Engine Plant
which was recently refurbished and rehoused by members of the Old Cranks Motor Club and Rotary. This
project is an entrant in this year’s awards.
The town’s schools are engaged in environmental management both within their schools and by assisting
community groups. St Joseph’s Primary School has been working with North East Catchment Management
Authority to create a frog bog at the school. This will be an outdoor learning space that will also increase bugs
in the Beechworth ecosystem.
Entrants in the award’s Young Leaders category are the Youth Health Crew who share health and wellbeing
information with the youth of Beechworth. Members of the group are undergoing training in first aid, youth
mental health first aid, prevention of alcohol and risk taking behaviour, sexual health and peer support so that
they can help and support their friends and those in need.
Several community groups run programs to reuse items that would previously have been sent to recycling or
waste. The Quercus Community Bookshop is a social enterprise run by the Beechworth Neighbourhood Centre
to redistribute books donated by the community. In their daily endeavours to recycle, the Tidy Towns
committee created a blanket out of the old Beechworth Visitor Information Centre vests after a new uniform
was introduced. Each vest was deconstructed - zips went to the op-shop for reuse and the material from the
vests was made into a warm blanket for the centre.
Beechworth’s community is committed to increasing sustainable practices that protect and enhance. This
commitment makes Beechworth the 2014 KABV Tidy Town – Sustainable Community.
Campaspe
Bordered by the Murray and the Goulburn Rivers in northern Victoria, Campaspe covers a huge area which is
dominated by irrigated agriculture and a landscape that is visually defined by a network of irrigation and
drainage channels. The local economy is based on agricultural production as well as tourism. Council is well
supported by the local Landcare groups which undertake projects to revegetate and maintain biodiversity in
their community.
A successful waste education program - WICKED (Waste In Campaspe – Know, Educated Do) - was launched
this year. The program focuses on council providing education to reduce waste, prevent litter and conserve
resources. The key aim of the five-year program is to create a more sustainable and engaged community that
is aware of the social, economic and environmental benefits of changing their habits.
Kyabram’s St. Augustine’s College, which includes primary and secondary students, has also demonstrated
leadership in reducing waste, increasing recycling and reducing litter by building resource recovery and waste
reduction into the curriculum.
Cohuna
Cohuna is a lively town situated on the banks of the beautiful Gunbower Creek. It is home to an energetic
community committed to recycling, revegetation and caring for their town.
Cohuna boasts a number of community groups which work together to enhance the local environment. These
include schools, the Progress Association, Leos, Lions, Men’s Shed, Women on Farms, Friends of groups,
Scouts, Cubs, Guides, the Historical Society and the proud residents of Cohuna who collect litter on their daily
walks. The clearing of invasive species and planting of 1200 plants has rejuvenated Gilrule and Mitchell parks
and walking tracks. The projects undertaken by the Gunnawarra Shire and the hard working community
include development of a magnificent area with a fishing platform and a canoe launch. Walking tracks have
been created which are being used by residents to ride their bikes (rather than driving their cars) when visiting
town, while also helping to increase awareness of native plants and birds.
Horsham
Located in the Wimmera, the community of Horsham takes immense pride in maintaining the environment.
The Horsham Tidy Towns Committee, Horsham Rural City Council and the Wimmera Mail Times work together
on programs to keep Horsham litter free and to support council’s zero tolerance attitude to illegal dumping.
To retain the history of the town, Horsham Tidy Towns Committee coordinated a project to restore a wagon as
a tribute to May & Millar, the manufacturers and benefactors to the community. With both monetary and in
kind support from Horsham service clubs and other interested parties (including 700 hours of skilled carpentry,
painting, planning and dedication) stage one of the May & Millar wagon project is complete. This is one of the
many projects undertaken by the town’s community which is committed to sustainable practices.
Rutherglen
Rutherglen is a community nestled in a special corner of north east Victoria bordered by the Victorian Alps to
the south and the Murray River to the north. While the town’s foundations were built on gold, it is a passion
for producing great wine that has shaped the town over the past 150 years. Rutherglen’s main street maintains
its historical charm, with most of the shop fronts retaining the same look they had a century ago.
The community, supported by the Indigo Shire, includes a strong network of local community groups and
schools with a commitment to sustainability and heritage. A number of initiatives entered into the awards this
year have included preserving history and honoring citizens who have made significant contributions to the
region. Rutherglen Primary students have also run a program delivering a message encouraging the
community to “Buy Recycled Products First”.
Wangaratta
The 2013 Tidy Town of the year winner, Wangaratta, has continued on its sustainable journey this year.
Council is well supported by numerous enthusiastic community groups and schools which provide hundreds of
volunteer hours. The Wangaratta Sustainability Network created the Carp Muster - a fun program to protect
the environment by removing carp from the creeks while educating participants on the problem of alien fish in
waterways. The small schools at Myrrhee and Whitfield are educating the children to be sustainable in their
everyday lives with recycling and reuse programs and are learning the benefits of growing vegetables at
school.
Facilitated by the North East Multicultural Association, the Migrants’ Journey initiative is a collaborative effort
involving various subsets of the local community. This project recognises the importance of cultural heritage
for north east Victorians and celebrates the significant contribution post war migrants make to the community.
Dame Phyllis Frost Award – Audrey Hurst
Audrey Hurst has been a stalwart in Dimboola, probably for more years than she would like to recall!
Audrey has been actively involved in community work through the Lions Club of Dimboola where she has held
numerous committee positions including a year as the District Chair and participates in the Good Friday Royal
Children’s Hospital Appeal, Driver Reviver stop and numerous other Lions projects in and around Dimboola.
She is also on the Dimboola Town Committee where she has acted as treasurer.
Audrey has organised and submitted the Tidy Towns entries since 2000 through the ever changing formats,
freely giving her time talking to community groups and schools convincing them that their entry is well
worthy of recognition and will benefit the town. The KABV judges have enjoyed Audrey’s tours around the
projects spruiking the achievements of Dimboola at every opportunity. Once judged, Audrey arranged the Tidy
Towns Regional Presentations for entrants and finalists in the awards and has travelled the state representing
Dimboola at the annual Tidy Towns awards celebrations.
Audrey has been a long time employee and contributor to the Dimboola Banner, retiring after 15 years of
service in 2010. She has returned as a volunteer news contributor ensuring the community activities in
Dimboola are acknowledged.
Audrey was named the Dimboola Town Committee’s Australia Day Volunteer of the Year in 2013.
In her spare time Audrey is a fitness fanatic who can be regularly found at the Dimboola gymnasium and has
regularly completed marathons and walks to raise money for charity.
Tidy Towns has been a huge part Audrey’s life and we are proud to name her as this year’s Dame Phyllis
Frost winner.
Active Schools
Myrrhee Primary School
Making Days
Myrrhee Primary School encourages the local community to get involved with the school to promote
sustainability and learning. Located high in the hills, this isolated and beautiful school boasts 14 students.
Thursdays are dedicated to Making Day, when students negotiate with staff, parents and the local community
to select a project. Students write plans and approach community members to become involved and help
them. Projects have included welding art sculptures from scrap steel selected by students from local scrap
metal yards, using local timbers to create fine pieces of furniture with help from a local craftsman, and making
delicate bowls and jugs with assistance from the local potter. Students raised money by holding an annual
dinner and auction where they sell their craft items.
A special treat is the lunchtime pizza made by year 6 students in the school's pizza oven, using mainly schoolgrown vegetables from the kitchen garden hydroponic hothouse. The garden is supported by an aquaponics
installation that uses fish to clean the water.
Highly Commended
Mildura West Primary School Students
Enviro Teams = Sustainable Actions
Mildura West Primary School forms a series of Enviro teams annually, including Sustainability Ambassadors,
Environmental Leaders, Student Representative Council and the Enviro Team. The Environmental Leaders are
mentored by older students to support sustainable actions throughout the school and community. Sustainable
actions include planting trees, reducing litter and caring for wildlife.
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Beechworth
Be Active in Caring for the Environment
St Joseph’s primary developed a Strategic Environmental Management Plan to guide the future of the school.
A projects completed as part of the plan include installation of five water tanks and solar panels, waste-
recycling, re-using and composting, building a chicken shed, introduction of a produce table for vegetable
swaps and a sustainability electives program. St Joseph’s is a participant in the Resource Smart Schools
initiative.
Finalists
Children of East Gippsland and Gaia Guardians Environment Trust
Our World, Our Voice. Messages and Pearls of Wisdom for Humanity
Rutherglen Primary School
Thinking Beyond Team
St Joseph's Primary School Crib Point
St Joseph's Café
St Mary's Primary School Cohuna
Green Team
St. Augustine's College Kyabram
Reducing Waste for a Cleaner, Healthier School
Clean Beach Waterways
Lake Sambell Management Committee Community and Indigo Shire
Lake Sambell Bird Hide Project
850 seedlings were planted as part of a project undertaken in July 2013 to regenerate Lake Sambell’s beautiful
Emma George garden that had been destroyed by nine years of drought. In August 2014 a further 440
seedlings, purchased with the assistance of Indigo Shire Council, will be planted. The replanted garden has
transformed Lake Sambell reserve into a haven for birds. Recent bird sighting have included up to eighty
resident bird species includes waterbirds, and many migratory bird species.
Three identification and conservation storyboards for the bird hide help visitors identify the birds and their
conservation status with guide symbols to provide food source and habitat information. It was decided it was
also time to refurbish the bird hide. The installation of the storyboards was conducted as part of a bird hide
refurbishment and planting project undertaken by the Lake Sambell Management Committee with support of
community volunteers, Beechworth Prison outdoor gang and Jenny Pena from Indigo Shire Council who
designed the art work for all three large storyboards.
Highly Commended
Cohuna Neighbourhood House, Gannawarra Shire, Friends of Gilrule Park
Gilrule Park
Over 2000 volunteer hours have contributed to the transformation of Gilrule Park, near the centre of Cohuna,
from a neglected area of land to a peaceful little piece of bushland in the middle of town. Volunteers have
cleared the park of weeds and invasive species, and planted 1200 indigenous shrubs and trees.
Finalists
Dimboola Boat & Water Ski Club
Picnic Bend Upgrade
Dolphin Research Institute
'i sea, i care' Walk for Western Port
Natimuk Lake Foreshore Committee and Caravan Park
Natimuk Lake
Wangaratta Urban Landcare, Rural City of Wangaratta, Scouts and Guides
Ovens River Rejuvenation - Northern Beaches Area
Community Action over 3000
Wangaratta Sustainability Network
“Let’s Go Fishin” Carp Muster
Following the 2010 floods, Wangaratta’s One and Three Mile creeks were overtaken by carp - an invasive
species. Wangaratta Sustainability Network has since worked with Landcare, schools and community groups to
reduce this pest, and in 2012 and 2013 400 competitors took part in “Let’s Go Fishin” Carp Muster days.
Participants from Wodonga, Indigo and the Wangaratta shires fished European carp from the creeks that wind
through Wangaratta. The Carp Musters formed part of an awareness program highlighting the problem of
alien fish in waterways and attendees were educated on using sustainable practices when disposing of the
carp. Messages were reinforced by guest speakers and displays showing the effect of carp on native fish. The
community was informed that carp shouldn’t just be left on the bank, and that they can be eaten with a little
thoughtful preparation or can be simply recycled into liquid fertilizer.
Bass Coast Shire Council
Ramp It Up
Pelican Park Recreation Centre and Hastings Community
Multiple Sclerosis 24 hour Mega Swim
Western Port Secondary College Community
Spiral Meditation Garden
Community Action population under 3000
Rutherglen Historical Society
Every Picture Tells a Story
The community of Rutherglen, schools, past pupils and the historical society created a photographic display of
the early life and times of St Mary's Primary School and Mt Carmel Secondary School. Information and photos
were sourced from the Rutherglen community, archives of the Presentation Sisters in Gardenvale as well as
archives from the Sandhurst diocese.
The photos include the first group of nuns who came to Rutherglen Mount Carmel convent in 1901, day
students and boarders, the building of the second convent in 1924, and St Mary's church that was burnt down
in 1961 followed by the building of the new church and its opening. Each of the small crumpled photos were
cleaned and scanned with the final three hundred photos professionally enlarged and arranged on mats.
Names of people or events were included on the photos ready for public display. The opening of the show
drew a crowd and the Rutherglen Historical Society will ensure this archive remains in safe hands.
Finalists
Arts Rutherglen Sculpture Trail Committee
Recycled art
Beechworth Rotary Club and Beechworth Old Cranks Motor Club
Crossley Generator Project
Chiltern Tidy Towns
150 Years of Community Service -The Post Office
Cohuna Women On Farms Committee
Some Style about Town
Dartmoor & District Progress Association Inc.
Working Together
Community Government Partnerships
Horsham Golf Members and Horsham Rural City Council
Horsham Golf Club
Horsham Golf Club was a victim of the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. The club was devastated losing its
clubhouse, maintenance sheds and equipment as well as flora and fauna. The intense fire sterilised the soil
necessitating a great deal of work to re-establish plants. Since then, many local organisations and individuals
have banded together to rehabilitate the site. Club members collaborated with Horsham Rural Council to apply
for grants for the rehabilitation works from federal, state and bush fire relief sources in excess of $1,450,000.
The volunteer Board members have been incredibly supported by people who joined the 15 sub-committees
currently in operation plus many other volunteers. The newly built clubhouse compliments the prestigious golf
course currently ranked 9th best public course in Victoria. Every accomplishment starts with the decision "I'll
try". Horsham’s achievements to date will determine tomorrow's success.
Highly Commended
Sunraysia Sustainability Network and the Mildura Rural City Council
The Mildura Eco Village
The Mildura Eco Village is part of a multi stage community project providing community sustainability and
environmental education. The community project was developed in partnership between the Sunraysia
Sustainability Network community group which comprises over 80 members and the Mildura Rural City
Council. Other organisations involved in the project include SuniTAFE Mildura, the Mildura Christie Centre and
the Mildura regional waste management group.
Finalists
Coal Creek Community Park and Museum
The Indigenous Learning Stone Project at Coal Creek
Indigo Shire and Local Landcare Groups
Healthy Woodlands, Happy Barking Owls
Members of U3A Mornington and Mornington Park Primary School
Musical Memories
Mornington Secondary College with Community
Community and Government Partnerships
North East Multicultural Association
North East Multicultural Aged Care Connections
Cultural Heritage
Wycheproof Historical Society
Mt Wycheproof Museum
When Wycheproof Primary School relocated, the vacant 1957 built school was retained due to its historical
value to community. Supported by school principal Christine McKersie, Wycheproof Historical Society took
custodianship of the old school building to create the Mt Wycheproof Community Museum. Avid collector and
owner of the Willandra private museum, Mick Giddings, kindly donated much of his large collection of
artefacts and Wycheproof memorabilia. Wycheproof Historical Society and a team of volunteers worked for
months to transform and preserve the almost derelict building.
Museum Victoria’s community consultant Euan McGillivray advised the group and volunteers on preservation
and display techniques to create static displays preserved for visitors and residents. A combined celebration
was organised to preview Mt Wycheproof Community Museum and celebrate the 120th year of the school.
Over 500 people attended the event
Not only is the historical building now preserved but it provides visitors an insight into the community’s
history.
Highly Commended
Rachael Croucher & Whitlands Planning Group
Settlement of a Victorian Tableland
The Whitlands Progress Association is almost one hundred years old and was originally initiated to develop a
community in hard and isolated times. With only 33 residents, Whitlands is a small community but one with a
fascinating history of early settlers and English migrants. The Association has recorded this valuable history
including that of the Post Office, school, community groups, farming life, religion and importantly, Whitland’s
families, in a book titled ‘Settlement of a Victorian Tableland : The History of Whitland’s, its People and their
Memories’.
Finalists
Chiltern Recreational Park Committee of Management Inc.
Chiltern Grandstand Restoration
Coal Creek Community Park and Museum
Coal Creek Community Park and Museum 40th Birthday
Coal Creek Community Park and Museum
A Question of Honour
Cohuna Neighbourhood House, Cohuna Historical Society and Cohuna Landcare
Mitchell Park, Historical Creek Walk and Shop History Signs
Horsham East Rotary Club and Horsham Lions Club
May & Millar Wagon Restoration
Volunteers and Staff of Burke Museum, Beechworth
150th Anniversary Exhibition: Treasures of the Burke Museum
Environmental Sustainability
Sunraysia Sustainability Network and the Mildura Rural City Council
The Mildura Eco Village
After three years of community consultation the Mildura Eco Village - one component of an 11 acre multistage community precinct project- is now complete. The community precinct includes a sustainably built
education centre which serves as the administration area and a teaching hub delivering sustainability and
environment programs to local primary schools and the community. The Eco Village demonstration sites
include Photovoltaics monitoring and a solar distillation park there are also community gardens. The centre
provides opportunities for hands-on education encouraging visitors to live and work sustainably while
developing strong regional networks. The Eco Village is a well-designed space for the community to come
together to share ideas.
The Mildura Eco Village is the product of a partnership between the Sunraysia Sustainability Network
community group which comprises over 80 members and the Mildura Rural City Council. Other organisations
involved in the project include SuniTAFE Mildura, the Mildura Christie Centre and the Mildura regional waste
management group.
Highly Commended
Beechworth Urban Landcare and Sustainability Group
Patch to Patch Pedal Day
On this special day, nine of Beechworth’s best backyard fruit and vegetable gardens were on display. Visitors
rode their bikes along a special route to visit the gardens. The town’s old train station was used to host a food
growing festival with a pop up café selling local produce, seedlings, a pop up vegetable garden display and a
Landcare marquee distributing food growing show bags.
Finalists
Dimboola Tidy Towners
VRI Development
Shire of Campaspe
WICKED Education Program
Litter Prevention
Barwon Regional Waste Management Group (BRWMG)
A Cleaner Coast, Geelong and Otway’s is in your hands
BRWMG’s Litter Prevention Taskforce developed a campaign based on the Victorian Litter Action Alliance
Roadside Litter Prevention Kit's best practice approach to litter prevention. The campaign targeted the Great
Ocean Road, the Otway’s, and Geelong city with the tagline "A Cleaner Coast, Geelong or Otway’s is in your
hands - stop litter where it starts – report litterers" which calls on the community to report litterers using
mobile devices.
A partnership was developed with local businesses and fast food outlets to displayed campaign posters in drive
throughs and windows, outdoor banners and bin stickers promoting the Environment Protection Authority
(EPA) Victoria's litter report website. Billboards were displayed on major roadsides, visitor information centres,
caravan parks and at community events. Volunteers conducted roadside audits, and Department of Justice
corrections teams and Adopt a Roadside groups conducted roadside clean ups. These efforts resulted in a 30
per cent reduction in littering and a 30 per cent increase in reports to the EPA.
Finalists
Cohuna Community, Gannawarra Shire and Lions Club
Great Town
Mornington Peninsula Shire
Hastings Clean Team
Protection of the Environment
The Beechworth Treescape Group
Mayday Hills Flora
When alerted to the fact that after 150 years of public ownership the former Mayday Hills asylum site had
been sold, the Beechworth Treescape Group decided to collect data in a bid to ensure the rich botanical value
would be retained. The group collected data and images of 215 trees were recorded.
This work culminated in 120 nominations to Indigo Shire Council’s Significant Tree Register, 120 nominations
to the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) for trees of state or regional significance, and the preparation of
public information for guided walks.
The National Trust added 62 Mayday Hills trees or stands of trees to its Register of Significant Trees. This is the
largest collection of Trust classified trees in Victoria. Mayday Hills is now recognised as being among the top
five collections of planted trees in Victoria and Indigo Shire Council has amended its planning scheme to
recognise the importance of these trees.
Highly Commended
Rural City of Wangaratta
Plume Positive Project
Plume Positive is a project focused on areas of the Wareena Wetlands affected by a pollution plume created
after an industrial toxic spill in 2011. Wangaratta Council worked in partnership with local environment
organisations to deliver community events including tree planting, water watch sessions, nature walks and
information sessions. Street tree planting screens the industrial area and improves air quality, while
community projects restored a positive perception of the area.
Finalists
Bill Chambers, Rosewood Winery
Long Term Environmental Commitment
Koyuga Kanyapella Landcare Group
Caring for the environment of Koyuga and Kanyapella
Kyabram Urban Landcare Group
Kyabram Urban Landcare Group Projects
Sustainable Living in the Mallee
Nyah West Road Rejuvenation Project
Wimmera River Improvement Committee
Burnt Creek Waterway Enhancement Project
Resource Recovery and Waste Management
Bass Coast Shire
Recycle 100%: A targeted education program for positive behaviour change
Bass Coast Shire’s kerbside collection includes 23,000 households and commercial properties across 800km 2. In
2012 the council ruled it an offence to contaminate recycling bins with non-recyclable items. Poor recycling
practices contributed to significant loss of recyclable materials sent to landfill and adding $180,000 annually to
the cost of disposal. The council researched local, state and national waste education resources to create a
program for Bass Coast homes and businesses. Bins were checked, a sticker was applied and an education pack
left for those who were not recycling correctly or who had a contaminated bin. Council's kerbside recycling
data reflects an overall positive trend since the project commenced July 2013. The number of contaminated
bins identified reduced by 65 per cent in six months, and the significant reduction in 'repeat offences'
indicated the success of the educational efforts.
The environmental and economic benefits of this project mean it will continue, facilitating positive behaviour
change across the diverse community.
Highly Commended
Axis Worx employees
Pipeline Plastic Recycling Project
To alleviate stress on landfill, employees from Axis Worx – a not-for-profit disability enterprise that provides
supported employment for people with disabilities - cut up 100 tonnes of plastic lining from the GWM Water
pipeline for recycling. The plastic can be processed into agricultural film, industrial bags and concrete underlay.
Finalists
Beechworth Community, Indigo Shire, and Beechworth Correctional Work Gang
Green Waste Disposal and Timber Stock Pile
Beechworth Neighbour Centre and Volunteers
Quercus Community Bookshop
Shire of Campaspe
New Kerbside Waste Management System Reduces Waste To Landfill in Campaspe
Young Leaders
Sam Mitchell - Orbost
Sam is a determined and adventurous young leader. A 19 year old engineering student from Orbost and a
committed environmentalist, Sam has little interest in transport reliant on fossil fuels. He wanted to build a
bike that ran on solar energy, so he did.
He built the bike with a solar panel sheet sitting on the top of the bike’s A-frame. This solar charges a battery
and turns the pedals. In March 2013, Sam set off from the Orbost Sustainability Festival to ride his bike around
Australia. It took nine months to pedal from Victoria up the east coast, across the Northern Territory, down
the coast of Western Australia and back across the Nullarbor. Sam’s aim was to travel to the four compass
points of the mainland and cover about 25,000km spreading the message about renewable energy and
sustainable travel.
Sam’s nomination is well supported by the Orbost community. Orbost Secondary College principal Heather
Macalister says that Sam has always had a passion for the environment. “Sam has a quiet determination and
inner strength which has been evident throughout the time I have known him. Even in his early years of
secondary school his affinity with nature and appreciation for the environment was clearly evident. His
resourcefulness and independence saw him take on a great many challenges, not least was his weekend
cycling or hiking into remote locations. Sam shared his appreciation for the environment with his peers in
outdoor education studies. That Sam was able to achieve the challenge of cycling around Australia was no
surprise to any of us who know him.”
Finalists
Cohuna Leo Lions Club
Youth Garden
FLIC - Future Leaders Influencing our Community
No Talent Required - youth event
Mornington Peninsula Shire Youth Services Team
'Adopt-A-Hotspot'
Rutherglen Primary School -Thinking Beyond Team
Thinking Beyond
St Augustine’s College Senior Environment Team
Celebrating World Environment Day
Wangaratta Youth Council
Green It Up!
Gift Fund
The Dimboola Tidy Towns Group
The Dimboola Tidy Towns group sought permission to work on the neglected Victorian Rail Institute car park.
Located in the centre of the Dimboola township the Tidy Towns group and community are in the process of
transforming the area into a natural parkland. The car park is located opposite the primary school and will add
to the overall amenity of the area by creating a nice view from the school grounds. Materials and plants were
donated by Dimboola’s community and funds were raised to assist the purchase of extra materials required.
It is near completion and will be a great asset for the town providing a beautiful spot to sit quietly and think,
watch the water trickling in a little creek bed, or just to relax while waiting for children to come out of school
or kindergarten.
The Gift Fund prize will assist in the completion of the community parkland assisting with the purchase of the
signage, seating, entrance archway, pathways and a water supply.
Gaia Guardians Environment Trust
Our World, Our Voice is a delightful book created by school children from East Gippsland with the assistance of
the Gaia Guardians Environment Trust.
The book, published in August 2014, was written to educate school children about a cleaner, healthier and
brighter world – the world that they want. The book focuses particularly on creating awareness and
understanding of "the plastic plague" and encouraging people to take action. The text and illustrations
encourage readers to "do what is right" with waste and to work together to find solutions to create
environmental sustainability. The Gift Fund Prize will be used to help the students and the Gaia Guardians to
continue promotion of the children’s book and its environmental message.