A startup converting organic waste to packaging and volunteers who transformed a degraded paddock into grassy woodland have taken out the top honours in the twentieth Premier’s Sustainability Awards.

Minister for the Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio today announced the 12 winners of the Awards – which, now in their twentieth year, are Victoria’s most highly recognised annual sustainability awards.

The Premier’s Recognition Award was awarded to Fungi Solutions for their innovation in transforming organic waste into sustainable packaging, which can be used for compost after use, improving soil health.

Euroa Arboretum received the Premier’s Regional Recognition Award for their long-term efforts to restore native grasslands, educate the community about environmental sustainability and inspire people on the value of the native environment.

Other projects recognised included a community resale shed working to create a circular economy in a popular beachside holiday spot, and a community group that converted an abandoned quarry into a beautiful amphitheatre for public open space and community events.

A community champion, recognising individuals and small organisations, and an industry leader, celebrating medium-large organisations, was announced in each of the six award categories. Over 40 businesses, government, education institutions and community groups were among this year’s finalists.

This year’s Premier’s Sustainability Awards were delivered collaboratively by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Andrews Labor Government, along with the Banksia Foundation and Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria.

All winners will now be up for the National Banksia Foundation Awards, and the Community Leader winners for the Keep Australia Beautiful’s national awards program.

Read more about this year’s winners and finalists at sustainability.vic.gov.au/psa.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio

“The Premier’s Sustainability Awards recognise Victoria’s leaders in our transition to towards net zero emissions, reducing waste and building climate-resilient communities across Victoria.”

“I warmly congratulate this year’s winners along with all the finalists and everyone who submitted an entry to this year’s awards.”

Premier’s Sustainability Awards 2022 Winners

Overall winners:

Premier’s Recognition Award: Fungi Solutions, an Australian biotech start-up working with fungi to recycle and transform organic waste into sustainable circular packaging solutions.

Premier’s Regional Recognition Award: Euroa Arboretum, acknowledging the work of a team of volunteers to transform the Euroa Arboretum from a degraded paddock and restoring it to its pre-colonial state as a grassy woodland.

Circular Economy Innovation

Industry Leader: City of Greater Bendigo, Bendigo

Community Champion: Fungi Solutions, Thornbury

Future Energy

Industry Leader: Solar Thermal, Hallam

Community Champion: Euroa Environment Group, Euroa

Healthy and Fair Society

Industry Leader: Fire Rescue Victoria, East Melbourne

Community Champion: Alex Makes Meals, North Fitzroy

Thriving Environment

Industry Leader: Darebin City Council, Darebin

Community Champion: Euroa Arboretum, Euroa

Sustainable Places and Destinations

Industry Leader: North West Program Alliance, Melbourne

Community Champion: Warrnambool Community Garden, Warrnambool

Waste and Litter Reduction

Industry Leader: Rock Posters, Thornbury

Community Champion: Anglesea Community House, Anglesea