By Cath Newell, Consultant to Sustainability Victoria
Top winner of the Premier’s Sustainability Awards in 2015, a group of caring parents known as St Kilda Mums, Geelong Mums and Eureka (Ballarat) Mums, is now encouraging other sustainability groups to enter the 2016 Premier’s Sustainability Awards to celebrate their work.
The group was acknowledged last year for their terrific work, saving more than 52,000 second hand items including prams, cots and baby gear from going to landfill while sharing the gift of parenthood. These Mums are a volunteer-run not-for-profit organisation that re-homes new and pre-loved baby goods and nursery equipment to families in need. They believe that by reusing and recycling much-loved babies’ and children’s gear, they not only share the joy of motherhood with each other, but save the earth’s precious resources too. These donations are distributed to families experiencing hardship through their partnerships with maternal and child health nurses and local social service agencies.
CEO Jessica Macpherson says that the recognition has definitely opened professional doors – they have newfound credibility with business, media and government and that she would encourage all for-purpose and community minded organisations like St Kilda Mums, Geelong Mums and Eureka Mums to enter the Sustainability Awards.
Sustainability Victoria CEO, Stan Krpan, congratulated the team for their sustainable project, and for their commitment to improving Victoria’s environment. Delivering these awards each year continues to discover the talent and passion Victorians have for protecting their natural environment and minimising the impacts of climate change. “We encourage participation across all sectors, focussing on delivering a triple bottom line – environmental, economic, and social benefits for Victoria,” Mr Krpan said.
Now in their 14th year, the Premier’s Sustainability Awards continue to promote leadership and innovation in sustainability, and encourage a broader adoption of these practices by all Victorians.
There are 10 categories in this year’s awards program – Built Environment, Community, Education, Environmental Justice, Environmental Protection, Government, Health, Innovative Products or Services, Large Business, and Small and Medium Enterprises.
Entering is easy and free. For more information on entering and profiles of past winners, go to www.sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au Entries close 5 pm Monday 27 June 2016.