Banksia Environmental Foundation

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	Presented to the entry that has been deemed via the judging process to be an outstanding environmental achievement at a national or international level by an Australian individual between 18 and 30 years of age.

2011 Award Criteria

The Environment Minister's Young Environmentalist of the Year Award aims to recognise outstanding contributions made by young Australians to a Sustainable Australia, and how individuals can affect change at a local, national or international level. Entry is for individuals aged 18–30 years.

Self-nominations and nominations on behalf of another individual and organisations are accepted. Nominated individuals and organisations must have achieved outcomes that have:

• made a sustained contribution to a Sustainable Australia
• influenced understanding or appreciation of sustainability, in Australia and/or overseas, and
• provided leadership or inspiration in the field of sustainability.

In 2011 the Federal Government seeks to recognise those contributing to a Sustainable Australia at the highest level.

Judging will take into account long-term commitment to achieving positive environmental outcomes, with an emphasis on results and implementation over the past five years.

Entering the Environment Minister's Young Environmentalist of the Year Award

Please note: There are no fees associated with entering this award

ENTERIES ARE CLOSED

Before downloading the kit, please read the information provided below

Quick find:

Use the following links to access specific awards information

General Eligibility

Your actions or project must have recent significance and outcomes which have occurred over the last two years.  The actions or project must be primarily undertaken in Australia, or must be shown to have a substantial environmental impact in Australia.  The organisation or individual must not have been prosecuted for a violation of any environmental, social or commercial law in Australia or overseas in the past 12 months.

Refer to Award Entry System for extra eligibility requirements.

How to Enter the Award

Before submiting an entry in the 2011 Environment Minister's Young Environmentalist of the Year Award you need to do the following: -

1. Deciding to enter -

a. make sure that you are eligible (see general eligibility)
b. don't forget to check  the other awards such as the Banksia Category Awards (separate entry required), the Prime Minister's Environmentalist of the Year Award (separate entry required) or the Mercedes-Benz Australian Environmental Research Award (separate entry required). 
Each of these awards have separate entry kits.

2. A download an entry kit

a. the Award Entry Kit should provide you with all the information you require such as:
- submission requirements including entry format and supporting documentation;
- category criteria and
- entry form.
b. You will need to register your information with us when you download any Award Entry Kits.
It is important to register for our email newsletter also as this is our method of communicating with you during the Award period to advise of any changes, deadlines or other important information.

3. Make sure you are familiar with the Award timelines.

4. Attend the free Banksia Award Entry Information Sessions which are run nationally in May 2011.

a. the sessions are designed to assist you with preparing your entry providing useful tips.
b. it is a useful forum to get questions answered.

5. Check out the FAQs section

6. If after steps 1 to 5 you have any further questions please contact us.

Back to Quick Find

Contact Details

For all award queries
p: 03 9684 4667
e: award query email
a: Level 1, 40 Albert Road, South Melbourne 3205

Back to Quick Find

2011 Environment Minister's Young Environmentalist of the Year Winner

Lindsay Soutar, 100% Renewable Community Campaign, NSW

Building a grassroots movement for Australia's renewable energy future

"Lindsay showed great courage in quitting her job and pursuing the 100% Renewable Community Campaign on her own with no guarantees. Through good community engagement, an inspiring commitment to her beliefs, aligned with a strong methodical approach and a very good strategy, Lindsay was able to tackle a significant issue and mobilise a grassroots movement effectively. Judges were impressed by the campaign's ability to connect communities from all around Australia together for greater influence, consultation and important dialogue. The reach of this program is outstanding."

In early 2010 quit her job to establish a national campaign on renewable energy – 100% Renewable. Throughout 2010 and 2011 the campaign worked with local community groups across Australia to build a groundswell of public support for a renewable energy future. Through establishing a national network of regional and local organisers, a mentoring program, workshop series and a range of public engagement activities including surveying, doorknocking, local media and politician engagement, the campaign has built new leadership and worked with local community groups to shift elected members of parliament behind the vision of a 100% renewable energy future. Through Lindsay's passion, persistence and commitment to empowering others, the campaign has grown from strength to strength, making a substantial contribution to the energy debate and influencing national decisions on renewable energy policy.

2011 Environment Minister's Young Environmentalist of the Year Finalist

Solution-Processed Nanocrystal Solar Cells

Brandon MacDonald & Jacek Jasieniak, VIC

Researchers at CSIRO and the University of Melbourne have developed a new method for manufacturing solar cells using nanocrystal inks. These inks can be printed directly onto a variety of surfaces to create efficient, low-cost solar cells. This technology offers a number of advantages over conventional solar cells including shorter processing times, lower materials consumption and relatively low processing temperatures, making the resulting solar cells compatible with flexible, lightweight substrates such as plastics and metal foils. This invention represents an important step forward in the development of inexpensive, solution-processed solar cells and helps establish Australia as a world-leader in the development of renewable energy sources.

Previous Recipients

2010 - Matthew Wright, Founder and Executive Director,  Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE)

2009 - Anna Rose, Amanda McKenzie and Ellen Sandell, Australian Youth Climate Coalition

2008 - Larissa Brown, Founder and Executive Director Centre for Sustainability Leadership