Council Announces Exciting New Sustainability Initiative for Schools

Published on 29 July 2024

Southern Grampians Shire Council is pleased to introduce the 2024 Sustainability Schools Competition, an inspiring new initiative designed to encourage local schools to embrace a sustainable future.

This competition offers a unique opportunity for students to showcase their innovative ideas, with the winning proposal receiving Council funding of up to $20,000 to implement the winning project.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor David Robertson shared his enthusiasm for the initiative.

 “Young people of the Southern Grampians Shire play a vital role in shaping a more sustainable future,” said Cr Robertson.

“Council's Sustainability Team will work closely with schools and participating students to help shape ideas, provide industry contacts while supporting schools with their entries. Our sustainability team will be visiting schools over the coming months to help students develop their ideas, plan their project, and put together their business cases.

“Through learning and active participation, this initiative will allow our young people’s voices to be heard, and for action to happen,” said Cr Robertson.

Council is committed to the transition to a Circular Economy and Sustainability, therefore the ideas, problems and solutions must address issues related to waste, natural environment, energy, water or sustainability more broadly.

Key Details:

• Eligibility: Open to students in years 7-10 from any school within the Southern Grampians Shire.
• Submission Limit: Each school may submit up to three projects.
• Competition close: 4:00pm, Friday 20 September 2024
• Entries: Submissions can be made via the Council website and all participating schools have also been provided entry details.
• Prizes: The winning team’s project will be funded up to $20,000 and implemented by Council. All participants will receive movie vouchers and special recognition, with additional prizes for the winning team.
• Presentation Event: Will be celebrated in November 2024 with event details to be provided closer to the date.

“We are excited to see ideas develop from the minds of our future generations in shaping what sustainability practices look like to them. Whether that’s Australia’s biggest Wheelie bin, new routes for town buses for active transport, or an app to link community and volunteers – we've already heard some great proposals,” said Cr Robertson.

“This collaboration will provide students with invaluable experience in project planning, leadership, and industry engagement, as well as having the opportunity to implement a project for change to contribute to a better way forward for our environment.”

Submissions will be evaluated on key criteria including innovation, feasibility, implementation, as well as alignment with Council plans and visions.

This competition not only aims to foster creativity and innovation among students but also to strengthen the community’s commitment to sustainability. We encourage all eligible students to participate and look forward to seeing the amazing ideas they will bring forward.

Southern Grampians Shire Council also extends an invitation to local businesses and agencies interested in sponsoring, mentoring, or partnering with a project idea. For more information, please contact the Sustainability Team sustainability@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au

For further details on how to get involved including competition guidelines, terms and conditions, and entry link please visit our website or contact Council at (03) 5573 0444.

Let's work together to build a greener, more sustainable future!