THE Farmer\u2019s Place and the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) have been named as finalists in this year\u2019s Premier\u2019s Sustainability Awards.<\/p>\n
Last week, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D\u2019Ambrosio announced the finalists in the annual awards \u2013 now in their 15th year \u2013 which recognise and celebrate Victorians who are leading the way to a sustainable future.<\/p>\n
Located in Freshwater Creek, The Farmer\u2019s Place was named as a finalist in the Small and Medium Enterprises category for its From Little Things Big Things Grow program.<\/p>\n
Sustainability principles and processes drive all operations at the small working farm, cafe and farmers\u2019 market.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Sustainability Victoria interim chief executive Stephanie Ziersch praised both finalists for their creative and insightful work towards building a more sustainable environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cDelivering 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese awards represent Victoria\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Winners will be announced on October 26.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Farmer\u2019s Place and the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) have been named as finalists in this year\u2019s Premier\u2019s Sustainability Awards. Last week, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D\u2019Ambrosio announced the finalists in the annual awards \u2013 now in their 15th year \u2013 which recognise and celebrate Victorians who are leading […]<\/p>\n