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Media release

7 September 2016

Kids In Nature Network – finalist in the Premier’s Sustainability Awards 2016

 Kids In Nature Network has been announced as a finalist in the Community category for this year’s Premier’s Sustainability Awards for their Nature Play Week program.

Sustainability Victoria Chief Executive Stan Krpan congratulated the Kids In Nature Network team for their great work in reducing the impacts of climate change and building a more sustainable environment in Victoria.

 “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 sustainable business models.”

“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,” Mr Krpan said.

While Australians see ourselves as an outdoor nation, our kids spend most of their childhood indoors.

Nature Play Week is a new movement, aiming to get kids away from TVs, computers and smartphones and back playing outside by presenting over 170 unique Australian nature play experiences for families and children across Victoria and beyond.

A network of communities and organisations are involved in the program, providing opportunities for kids and families to experience dozens of special outdoor places in a supportive environment.

Nature Play Week, a part of Premier’s Active April, offers more than 100 events such as a festival, family nature days, bushwalks, encounters with local animals and wildlife, scavenger hunts and nature art. The program also featured networking and professional development events.

Now in their 14^th year, the Premier’s Sustainability Awards continue to promote leadership and innovation in sustainability, and encourage a broader adoption of these practices by all Victorians.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday 20 October at the Plaza Ballroom, in Melbourne. The Hon Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria will personally select two winners for the Premier’s Regional Recognition Award and the Premier’s Recognition Award to be presented at the awards ceremony.

For more information on the awards, finalists and to purchase tickets for the award ceremony, visit www.sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au

 For media, contact Cath Newell on 0423 587 478.

Finalists in the 2016 Premier’s Sustainability Awards are:

Built Environment:

• 38 Westbury Street – Green Roof in the City
• Energy Action – 747 Collins Street – Breaking the 6 Star NABERS barrier
• Monash University – Passive House Pioneers

Community:

• Australian Youth Climate Coalition – Switched on Schools Victoria
• Bendigo Sustainability Group – Bendigo Sustainability Group
• Kids In Nature Network – Nature Play Week

 Education:

• CERES Community Environment Park – CERES Education and Training: Teaching all generations for future generations
• Master Builders Association of Victoria – Master Builders Green Card: Environmental Site Induction
• Winters Flat Primary School – Students leading change: Winters Flat PS Sustainability Program

Environmental Justice:

• AMES Australia and Parks Victoria – Werribee Park Community Garden
• Environment Victoria – Future Powered Families
• Voices of the Valley – Community support following the Hazelwood Mine Fire

Environmental Protection:

• Armstrong Creek Development Corporation Joint Venture and GbLA Landscape Architects – Warralily Creek Corridor Rehabilitation Stages 2A-2F
• Geelong Cemeteries Trust – Moonah Memorial Walk at Queenscliff Cemetery
• Moonee Valley City Council – Afton Street Wetland and Stormwater Harvesting Scheme

Government:

• City of Greater Bendigo – Lighting the Regions Partnership
• City of Boroondara Council on behalf of the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action Councils – Biodiversity Monitoring in Melbourne’s East
• Hobsons Bay, Moonee Valley and Maribyrnong City Councils – My Smart Garden

Health:

• Melbourne Health – Reducing Waste One Dialysis Patient at a Time
• Vinyl Council of Australia – From Local to Global: PVC Recycling Program
• Western Health – Environmental Sustainability at Western Health

Innovative Products or Services:

• Casafico – Polystat Prefabricated Walls
• Market Forces – Super Switch
• Solvup TIC Group (Reverse Logistics) – Building a Global Standard for Sustainable Retail

Large Business:

• Australian Paper – Maryvale Recycling Facility
• Crown Melbourne – Crown Earth
• Toyota Motor Corporation Australia – “Last Car = Best Global Car” Environment: At Work, At Home and In the community

Small and Medium Enterprises:

• Beaconsfield Dental – Beaconsfield Dental
• Jardan Australia – Jardan
• Yarra Valley Estate – Yarra Valley Estate.