Farmer’s Place and GORRC praised for sustainability

THE Farmer’s Place and the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) have been named as finalists in this year’s Premier’s Sustainability Awards.

Last week, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced the finalists in the annual awards – now in their 15th year – which recognise and celebrate Victorians who are leading the way to a sustainable future.

Located in Freshwater Creek, The Farmer’s Place was named as a finalist in the Small and Medium Enterprises category for its From Little Things Big Things Grow program.

Sustainability principles and processes drive all operations at the small working farm, cafe and farmers’ market.

The cafe is made from recycled shipping containers and sustainable waste, water and energy saving practices are in place across the site. The seasonal menu is inspired by what is growing in the garden and what can be sourced from local suppliers, and the onsite marketplace acts as a consolidated farmgate for local producers.

GORCC, announced as a finalist in the Government category, has been running education activities since 2011, based on natural resource management practices and hands-on conservation activities that engage with students from all over Victoria.

The Coast Guardians Program is an ongoing program created by GORCC for Year 9 students from local and regional schools, aimed at increasing awareness around environmental issues and encouraging social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

On-ground activities such as weeding, planting, mulching, erosion prevention and rubbish removal are integrated with theory-based learning on a range of topics, linked to school curriculum.

Sustainability Victoria interim chief executive Stephanie Ziersch praised both finalists for their creative and insightful work towards building a more sustainable environment.

“Delivering these awards each year means we continue to discover the talent and enthusiasm Victorians have for protecting their environment and thinking creatively about new models of sustainability.

“These awards represent Victoria’s highest recognition for sustainability and acknowledge leadership, innovation and achievement. Each finalist should be congratulated for improving sustainable outcomes across business, government and within the community.”

Winners will be announced on October 26.