Entries open for Victoria’s Premier’s Sustainability Awards 2022

The search is on for Victorians who are leading the way to a sustainable future with entries now open for the Premier’s Sustainability Awards.

2022 marks the 20th anniversary of the prestigious awards program – one that continues to grow and reflect the action happening across industry, business and community from regional to metropolitan Victoria.

This year’s Premier’s Sustainability Awards will be delivered collaboratively by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government, along with the Banksia Foundation and Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria.

It features six categories aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) – a globally accepted, robust and comprehensive sustainability framework.

“We’re excited to be delivering these awards in partnership with the Banksia Foundation and Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria. By combining our experience, passion and resources, we will deliver an inspirational awards program celebrating those working towards a more sustainable future,” Sustainability Victoria’s Interim CEO Matt Genever said.

“We know there are tremendous strides being taken to reduce waste and litter, conserve energy, care for the environment and operate more sustainably, and we encourage you to showcase your efforts through this awards program.

“By recognising the innovative work being done in sustainability we aim to inspire others so that together we can progress faster towards our goal of a circular economy with net zero emissions.

“It’s so positive and uplifting to see how this awards program has gone from strength-to-strength over the past 20 years. Entries have increased six-fold which demonstrates how sustainability is being embraced across the state,” Mr Genever added.

Two awards within each of the six categories will be presented: the Community Champion Award – for individuals and small organisations, and the Industry Leader Award – for medium and large organisations. In addition, the Premier will select two overall winners to be presented at the award ceremony: The Premier’s Recognition Award, a stand-out submission from the twelve award winners and The Premier’s Regional Recognition Award, a stand-out regional organisation/project from all qualifying finalists. These two awards cannot be entered.

“Through our new partnership, program winners will be able to connect with a larger alumni network meaning more organisations, communities and individuals can learn from other sustainability changemakers. It will be very exciting to see,” Mr Genever said.

The Premier’s Sustainability Awards Community Champion winners will have a pathway to the national Keep Australia Beautiful awards program and all winners will be eligible for the National Banksia Sustainability Awards.