Media Release by Banksia Foundation
The Banksia Foundation today announced the finalists for the 2022 NSW Sustainability Awards, whose bold and diverse initiatives are paving the way towards a brighter future for New South Wales.
From creating wildlife sanctuaries free from feral predators to democratising renewable energy with shared ownership of solar farms, the impressive crop of finalists is a picture of ambition, creativity, and innovation.
“The quality and number of entries this year is impressive. It’s even bigger and better than we expected, which demonstrates the growing passion and spirit of our innovators across NSW,” says Ms van Egmond, CEO of the Banksia Foundation.
In only its second year, the NSW Sustainability Awards has added three new categories:
- NSW Communications for Impact Award
- NSW Future Cities Award
- NSW Primary Industries and Regional Development Award
The NSW Minister’s Young Climate Champion Award, presented by the Treasurer, The Hon Mat Kean MP celebrates sustainable leadership by our young NSW innovative generation, who are our inspiration for the future. Among the finalists for this Award are five Year 6 students from St Columba Anglican School, Port Macquarie. These sustainability warriors took it upon themselves to act by proposing to increase the koala habitat on their school grounds.
“Our change-makers of NSW are dedicated to improving life on the planet. We’re excited to recognise their leadership and innovation, and celebrate their successes,” adds Graz van Egmond.
The Chair of the Judging Panel observed “it’s not only large organisations striving for change; everyone has a role to play. It’s fantastic to see so many young innovators creating an inspirational path for others to follow.”
Other finalists also include:
- A partnership between local landholders, communities and organisations securing a future for Squirrel Gliders through art and science
- A company that gives old solar panels a second life by diverting them from landfill and utilising them to continue to generate clean energy
- A government-appointed scheme returning over 7.9 billion drink containers.
A full list of the finalists can be found here.
Winners of the NSW Sustainability Awards will be automatically entered into the prestigious 34th National Banksia Sustainability Awards. The winners of these national awards will be announced in March 2023.
The 2022 NSW Sustainability Awards are proudly supported by the NSW Government.
