Banksia Environmental Foundation

MEDIA RELEASE

28 October 2011

The Parade Theatre, National Institute of Dramatic Art, was filled with a buzz of excitement as the environmental doers took a night off to celebrate the achievements in sustainable environmental excellence and innovation. The 2011 Banksia Awards, Australia's most prestigious environmental awards announced the winners.

Graz van Egmond, Executive Director of the Banksia Environmental Foundation said, "It is heartening to witness how each year the Banksia Award winners continue to be an example of the ingenuity and enthusiasm taking place around Australia. What is most encouraging is that there are examples from all cross sections of Australian life from community groups to large corporations. As a nation, we should thank them for their dedication."

Of the 58 finalists representing 10 category awards, Prime Minister's Environmentalist of the Year Award, Environment Minister's Young Environmentalist of the Year Award and the Mercedes-Benz Australian Environmental Research Award the following winners were awarded.

• 2011 Prime Minister's Environmentalist of the Year Award winner
  (supported by the Australian Government)
  Bill Thomas, Head of Sustainable Practice Bentleigh Secondary College
• 2011 Environment Minister's Young Environmentalist of the Year Award winner
  (supported by the Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and Communities)
  Lindsay Soutar, 100% Renewable Community Campaign, NSW
  Building a grassroots movement for Australia's renewable energy future
• 2011 Origin Gold Banksia Award winner
  (supported by Origin)
  Gippsland Water Factory - A New Way to Care for Water
  Gippsland Water, VIC
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz Australian Environmental Research Award recipient
  (supported by Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific)
  Peak Phosphorus: the Next Global Food Crisis?
  Institute for Sustainable Futures, NSW
• 2011 Banksia Community Grant recipient
  (supported by The GPT Group)
  SustainAbility Stars
  E.W. Tipping Foundation, VIC
• 2011 Banksia People's Choice Award winner
  (supported by Australia Post)
  Don't Palm us Off
  Zoos Victoria

Category Awards Winners

• 2011 Education Award - Raising the Bar winner
  (supported by Publishers National Environment Bureau)
  The Vortex Centre - Water Wonders in a Building that Teaches
  Gippsland Water, VIC
• 2011 Indigenous Award - Caring for Country winner
  (supported by Australian Government Caring for Our Country)
  West Arnhem Land Fire Abatement Partnership: a 140% success
  Warddeken Land Management for WALFA partners, NT
  In partnership with Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation, Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation, Mimarl and Adjumarlarl Rangers
• 2011 Land and Biodiversity Award - Preserving Our Ecosystems winner
  (supported by Closed Loop Recycling)
  Fox-Free Phillip Island Victoria, Australia
  Phillip Island Nature Parks, VIC
• 2011 Water Award - Our Most Precious Resource winner
  (supported by GWA Group Limited)
  Gippsland Water Factory - A New Way to Care for Water
  Gippsland Water, VIC
• 2011 Agriculture and Food Award - From Paddock to Plate Sustainably winner
  (supported by Australian Food & Grocery Council)
  Gaia Banana Farming: for Healthy Soils, Wetlands and Great Barrier Reef
  Gaia farms, QLD
• 2011 Built Environment Award - Harmonious Manmade Landscapes winner
  (supported by BECA)
  Hepburn Community Wind Farm
  Hepburn Wind, VIC
• 2011 Leading in Sustainability Award - Setting the Standard for Large Organisations winner
  (supported by NSW Office of Environment and Heritage)
  Sustainability is Good for Business
  Fujitsu, Australia
• 2011 Leading in Sustainability Award - Setting the Standard for Small to Medium Businesses winner
  (supported by Amcor)
  Greening The Wharf
  Sydney Theatre Company, NSW
• 2011 Clean Technology Award - Harnessing Opportunities winner
  (supported by Banksia Environmental Foundation)
  BlueGen - Clean Power for Your Home
  Ceramic Fuel Cells Ltd., VIC
• 2011 Transportation, Warehousing & Logistics Award - Mindful Movement winner
  (supported by Banksia Environmental Foundation)
  Making Electric Cars Make Sense
  Better Place Australia, ACT

- ends –