Friday 2 August 2013

LIVING SUSTAINABLY AWARDS 2013

In a special ceremony in Grafton on  July 31, as part of  Local Government Week, Clarence Valley Council announced the winners of the Living Sustainably awards.

The awards, which are in their third year, recognise outstanding contributions or achievements which enhance environmental, economic and social sustainability.  In addition they show others in the Clarence community how some individuals and groups are developing lifestyles or methods or skills that look to meeting the challenges of today and of the future.

There were thirteen nominations in the four award categories.

Achievements of those nominated for this year's awards included:
  • recycling - e.g. batteries, carpet underlay, mobile phones, steel.
  • re-using - e.g. clothing (through an op shop), wastewater, timber
  • refurbishing for re-use - computers and bicycles
  • reducing energy usage - and saving money as well as reducing carbon emissions
  • utilising renewable energy - solar power
  • plant propagation and food production in vegetable gardens
  • biodiversity conservation and bush restoration
  • community engagement including developing links with volunteers and local businesses.

Four members of Council's Climate Change Community Advisory Committee judged the awards.

The Winners were:
1)  Schools category - Wooli Public School.   Both Maclean Public School and Gulmurrad Public School were highly commended.
2)  Community category -  Clarence Environment Centre.
3)  Business category - Yamba Golf and Country Club.
4)  Individual category -  George Oxenbridge.


Local Government Week was a very appropriate time to recognise the contribution of good citizens to the local community - good citizens who are living sustainably.

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