The organisations and individuals leading positive environmental and social change across Victoria were recognised at the 2023 Premier’s Sustainability Awards.
In an address celebrating the awards, Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Environment, acknowledged the journey Victorians are taking towards sustainability, and acknowledged the work of the awards’ leaders and change makers to reduce waste, boost recycling and practise responsible use of resources.
The 2023 winners include: Bunyip Renewables Action Group, whose vision is to transition their community to 100% renewable energy by 2030; UPPAREL, a textile recovery and recycling initiative aiming to combat the global textile waste crisis; and Porous Lane, a company turning waste tyres into permeable pavement.
Premier Jacinta Allen personally selected the winners of the two overall awards. The Premier’s Recognition Award was presented to Assembled Threads and Geelong Sustainability received the Premier’s Regional Recognition Award.
Matt Genever, Interim CEO, Sustainability Victoria, said, “All of these winners have challenged the status quo and shown true leadership in their fields. I feel inspired and elated to hear their stories and learn about the difference they’re making.”
The Premier’s Sustainability Awards is a prestigious annual sustainability awards program celebrating Victorian businesses, local governments and communities leading the way in sustainable innovation and practices. Each of the six categories has two winners, which were refreshed in 2021 to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The Community Champion Award recognises individuals and small organisations, and the Industry Leader Award celebrates medium and large organisations driving a sustainable future.
The 2023 winners are:
Premier’s Recognition Award
Premier’s Regional Recognition Award
- Geelong Sustainability
Circular Economy Innovation
- Industry Leader: ecologiQ
- Community Champion: Wholefoods Unwrapped
Future Energy
- Industry Leader: Kinetic Melbourne
- Community Champion: Bunyip Renewables Action Group
Healthy and Fair Society
- Industry Leader: Geelong Sustainability
- Community Champion: Assembled Threads
Thriving Environment
- Industry Leader: Cassinia Environmental
- Community Champion: My Smart Garden
Sustainable Places
- Industry Leader: Nightingale Housing
- Community Champion: Brimbank City Council
Waste and Recycling Solutions
- Industry Leader: UPPAREL
- Community Champion: Porous Lane
