Geelong and Barwon’s best in Premier’s Sustainability Awards lineup

GEELONG and Barwon region’s innovators are among the 36 finalists in this year’s Premier’s Sustainability Awards, underscoring Geelong’s dominance in sustainability.

The awards, in their 21st year, spotlight top businesses, local governments, and communities for their sustainability achievements.

There are six categories, each in tandem with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, producing two champions.

Three organisations from the Geelong and Barwon Region have been named as finalists: the Barwon Renewable Energy Partnership for its commitment to green energy, Geelong Sustainability for its Climate Safe Rooms initiative, and architecture firm Brew Koch for its sustainable work on the Spring Creek Road Farm.

In the Future Energy category, the Barwon Renewable Energy Partnership, a collaboration between Barwon Water, Barwon Health, and Geelong Port, has been nominated as an Industry Leader.

Barwon Water, Barwon Health, and Geelong Port have committed to purchase 68 gigawatt-hours of renewable electricity each year from Mount Gellibrand Windfarm near Birregurra.

Barwon Water Managing Director Shaun Cumming said they are “thrilled” to have been named finalists in the Premier’s Sustainability Awards.

“This is a great demonstration of the power of partnerships, and will make a big impact reducing carbon emissions for the region,” Mr Cumming said.

Geelong Sustainability has been nominated for the Industry Leader award in the Healthy and Fair Society category, lauded for its Climate Safe Rooms initiative.

This Victorian Government-backed effort gifts energy upgrades to at-risk Geelong residents, guarding against health risks from weather extremes.

Architecture firm Brew Koch has been nominated for the Community Champion Award in the Sustainable Places category for its work on the Spring Creek Road Farm, a Trust for Nature Property near Bannockburn.

Their work with local Landcare networks aims to appreciate the property’s Indigenous landscape, pushing for more sustainable architectural education and practices.

The Community Champion Award recognises individuals, small outfits, and local governments. The Industry Leader Award is for medium to large entities pushing sustainable horizons.

Sustainability Victoria’s Interim CEO Matt Genever expressed his enthusiasm for Geelong’s efforts.

“These Industry Leaders and Community Champions are leading the way in sustainability, and I look forward to recognising their achievements at the awards ceremony in November,” said Mr Genever.

The judgements come from an esteemed panel of independent environmental professionals known for their industry expertise.

For more on the Premier’s Sustainability Awards finalists visit sustainability.vic.gov.au/psa-2023-finalists