General News
3 August, 2023
“They should be thoroughly proud”
MERCY Regional College VCE-VM students have had their environmental project shortlisted for the 2023 Tidy Towns and Cities Sustainability Awards.
MERCY Regional College VCE-VM students have had their environmental project shortlisted for the 2023 Tidy Towns and Cities Sustainability Awards.
The project was to rejuvenate the Wombeetch Puyuun Indigenous memorial garden, which needed replanting and maintenance after being left since its opening in 2008.
The site is a garden in dedication to Wombeetch Puyuun, also known as Camperdown George, who was Camperdown’s last Indigenous person living on ancestral land.
Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria recently announced the shortlist, with Mercy’s project falling under the education category.
Now in its 41st year, the Sustainability Awards recognise, celebrate and share environmental achievements and strong community spirit right across Victoria.
With a total of 132 entries, 70 projects have been shortlisted across 10 categories, highlighting the efforts of communities, organisations, individuals, and councils in creating a more sustainable, resilient, and beautiful Victoria.
Other shortlisted entries include initiatives that have tackled waste reduction, energy efficiency, wellbeing, positive Indigenous outcomes, and community engagement, exemplifying the innovative and impactful approaches taken to promote sustainability across the state.
The shortlisting process was conducted by a panel of 10 expert independent judges who meticulously reviewed each entry in their assigned category, considering environmental impact, innovation, and community involvement.
Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria CEO Olivia Lynch said this year’s submissions have “blown our socks off”.
“From creative community gardens that could make veggies tap dance to waste reduction initiatives that could convince the fussiest koala to compost, these projects have left us in awe,” she said.
“So, let's give a round of applause to all the dedicated communities who poured their hearts and souls into these transformative sustainability projects.”
As a shortlisted participant, Mercy will be invited to present their project to an expert panel of judges at a judging interview.
These interviews allow shortlisted candidates to showcase their accomplishments, share insights and engage in enlightening discussions.
VCE-VM coordinator Claire Virgona said Mercy Regional College was thrilled to be shortlisted.
“This public acknowledgement of the school's dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship is greatly appreciated and we are excited to share more about our students outstanding initiatives,” she said.
“As the project progresses we are hoping to make a significant contribution to both the community and their educational journey.
“Being shortlisted is both a remarkable achievement for our young people and a celebration of their hard work on this project.
“They should be thoroughly proud of this achievement.”
Finalists in each category will be revealed on September 13, and the winners announced at the prestigious Tidy Towns and Cities Awards Ceremony, to held on October 23.
The Winner of the Victorian Tidy Towns Award will automatically be entered into the National Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns Sustainability Awards held in Western Australia in May 2024.
Further information regarding the finalists will be available on the Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria website and through its social media channels.
