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Awards and competitions

Environmental awards and competitions

A number of organisations recognise the efforts and achievements of schools, teachers and students in preserving and sustaining our environment. A range of award programs recognise local, state or national achievements. In addition, challenges and competitions may also recognise students' work.

Premier's ClimateSmart Sustainability Awards
The ClimateSmart School Community Award is given to a public, private or independent school for raising awareness about climate change, and for the measurable efforts it has made to reduce potential impacts in the school community (e.g. saving energy and fuel, reducing waste, and saving or capturing water).
The award also recognises educational programs or activities within the school community that further promote sustainable living practices and help mitigate climate change.
Closing date: Applications close on Friday 26 March 2010. Presentation of awards Friday 4 June 2010

Banksia Environment Foundation Awards
The Banksia Category Awards comprise ten separate awards. The entry kit provides the technical information and criteria for all of the ten awards. Entrants for these awards can be individuals, groups, communities, governments and corporations etc.
Closing date: Closes first half of the year

Keep Australia Beautiful (Queensland) Green & Healthy Schools Awards
The Green & Healthy Schools Awards are designed to encourage and assist schools to maintain and improve the environmental and personal wellbeing of the school community. The competition runs throughout the year with the winners announced in October.
Closing date: Registration usually closes in March

Pride of Australia Awards (Environment Medal)
Conducted through the Courier-Mail in Queensland and newspapers nationally, the Pride of Australia Environment Medal recognises 'an Australian or group of Australians whose actions prove that by making one degree of difference to their local environment, people can make a difference to the broader community'.
Closing date: Registration usually closes in April

South East Queensland Healthy Waterways Awards
Entries are now open for the 10th year of the Healthy Waterways Awards, which provide recognition and reward to outstanding waterway health projects in South East Queensland (SEQ). There are nine Award categories open to individuals, community groups and organisations who are working towards achieving healthy waterways.
Closing date: 12 April 2010

Veolia Water Australia - School Award
This award is open to south east Queensland schools, teachers or students involved in projects such as on-ground works, engagement with community groups and water quality monitoring. Each category winner will receive a cash prize of $1 500 and will be eligible for the Minister's Grand Prize of $10 000.
Closing date: Entries close at 5pm Monday 12 April 2010 with the winners announced at the Awards ceremony on 20 May 2010

World Environment Day Awards (Education/School Award)
Each year, the United Nations Association of Australia conducts the World Environment Day Awards. These awards are part of the United Nations Association of Australia's public education program which aims to promote issues surrounding the UN and its various agencies in the Australian community.
Closing date: Usually close April/May

Redland City Council World Environment Day Award
Do you know someone who is a champion for the Redland City Council local environment? Show your support by nominating them for a World Environment Day Award. Categories for individuals, schools and businesses. Check out the website and local papers for nomination details throughout April.
Closing date: Closes in May 2010 (TBC)

Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Schoolyard Warriors Conservation Challenge
Schools can win $2000 and other prizes for the school and for students by developing a conservation project that makes a difference to the local environment and wildlife conservation. Schools are required to register and undertake fundraising activities.
Closing date: Registration usually closes in May/June

Premier's Awards for Excellence in Public Service Delivery
These awards recognise the work and achievements of public sector agencies including schools. The 'Green' category recognises projects and initiatives that protect Queensland's lifestyle and environment. Queensland state schools have previously been finalists in this category. State schools that consider they may be suitable for nomination should contact Holley Wiles holley.wiles@deta.qld.gov.au Corporate Communications and Marketing.
Closing date: Usually close during July

Wet Tropics Management Authority's Cassowary Awards and Young Cassowary Awards
Annual awards presented by the Wet Tropics Management Authority to recognise individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the conservation and preservation of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The Young Cassowary Awards recognise primary and secondary students or groups of students who have excelled in World Heritage Area management such as education, tree-planting, fundraising and weed control, or an environmental research project.
Closing date: Nominations usually close in August

Maryborough Technology Challenge
The annual Maryborough Technology Challenge includes a range of competitions and challenges for primary and secondary students including the Young Inventors' Innovation Awards.
Closing date: 11-12 September 2010

Reef Guardian Awards
Schools that have signed up to the Reef Guardian Program are eligible to enter the Reef Guardian Awards.
Closing date: Submissions are due no later than 17 September

Sustainable Living Challenge
The University of New South Wales Built Environment Sustainable Living Challenge aims to engage secondary students across Australia to explore sustainability issues.
Closing date: 29 October 2010

Sunshine Coast Environment Council Froggy Awards (new window)
The Sunshine Coast Environment Council Froggy Awards recognise outstanding individuals, businesses, community groups or government sectors whose activities have enhanced the protection of the environment.
Closing date: Nominations usually close in November

Awards for teachers:

Clean Up Australia Green Teacher Awards
Each year over 2300 schools take part in Schools Clean Up Day, but the contribution of teachers towards the environment does not end there. Many teachers have been working on environmental projects, inspiring the next generation to learn about environmental sustainability.Sponsored by Sanyo Oceania, the Green Teacher Award is about rewarding those teachers who go the extra mile to inspire school students by initiating innovative environmental projects within their school communities.
Closing date: 19 March 2010

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