Sustainability Schools Competition Returns
Published on 24 September 2025
Southern Grampians Shire Council is pleased to announce the return of Sustainability Schools Competition, an initiative that challenges local students to come up with innovative, real-world solutions to environmental issues.
The competition, open to Years 7-9 students across the Shire, gives young people the chance to design projects that address challenges such as waste, energy, water use, or protection of the natural environment. The winning team will see their idea brought to life, with Council committing up to $10,000 to fund and implement the project.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said the initiative puts the future directly in the hands of the next generation.
“Young people of the Southern Grampians Shire play a vital role in shaping a more sustainable future,” said Cr Heslin.
“This program is about real projects that can create real change in our community. Council’s Sustainability Team will be working closely with schools to help shape ideas, connect students with industry contacts, and support them every step of the way.”
The program also gives students valuable skills in project planning, leadership, and industry engagement. Over the coming months, Council’s Sustainability Team will be visiting schools to workshop ideas and guide students in building strong proposals.
Key Details:
- Who can enter: Open to students in years 7-9 from any participating school within the Southern Grampians Shire.
- Submission Limit: Each school may submit up to three projects.
- Competition Dates: Wednesday 1 October 2025 - Friday 1 May 2026
- Entry: Submissions can be made via a form on the Council website.
- Prizes: The winning team’s project will be funded up to $10,000 and implemented by Council. All participants will receive movie vouchers and special recognition, with additional prizes for the winning team.
Cr Heslin said Council is looking forward to seeing the creative ideas that students put forward.
“Last year we had some really inspired thinking, from irrigation to playgrounds to reusable items. It’s amazing to see how students imagine a better future. This program is about turning that imagination into real world results.”
Last year, following a very impressive series of entries, two projects were awarded the top spot, splitting the prize down the middle.
'Snap'N Seal 'N Off You Go’ from Hamilton and Alexandra College put forward a proposal to circulate reusable silicon coffee cup lids throughout the Shire with the aim of reducing the amount of plastic going
to Landfill. This enterprise is now reaching its final stages with lids ordered from the manufacturer with plans to distribute them to participating cafes.
The other winners were the team behind the Sustainable School Garden and Tank Smart Project, from Baimbridge College. This team submitted plans to purchase and install a water tank in the school gardens to capture rainwater to irrigate a vegetable garden. Funding was also allocated to upgrading the vegetable garden and the purchase of tools, plants and materials. This project will be brought to life in the coming weeks with the assistance of Councils Parks and Gardens team.
Submissions will be evaluated on key criteria including innovation, feasibility, implementation, as well as alignment with Council plans and visions.
Southern Grampians Shire Council also extends an invitation to local businesses and agencies interested in sponsoring, mentoring, or partnering with a project idea. For more information, please contact the Sustainability Team at sustainability@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au
Please note that all entries must go through participating schools and individuals may not enter themselves.
For further details on how schools can get involved, including competition guidelines, terms and conditions, and entry link please visit our website or contact Council at (03) 5573 0444.
Let's work together to build a greener, more sustainable future!
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