Homepage Banksia Foundation newsroom

2011 Banksia Awards Finalists realising sustainability for Australia

Announcement posted by Banksia Foundation 08 Sep 2011

In the lead up to the annual environmental “Oscars”, Banksia Environmental Foundation announces the 2011 finalists. There are 58 finalists representing every state and territory, in urban and rural regions and across all sections of the Australian com

8 September 2011- In the auspicious surroundings of the National Gallery of Victoria, launching Banksia’s presentation theme – “The Art of Sustainability”, the who’s who of the environmental world waited in anticipation for the announcement of the finalists in Australia’s annual environmental ‘Oscars’ – the 2011 Banksia Awards.

In total there are 58 Finalists representing 10 category awards, Prime Minister's Environmentalist of the Year Award, Environment Minister's Young Environmentalist of the Year Award and the Mercedes-Benz Australian Environmental Research Award.

Small and medium businesses are well represented. All finalists of the 2011 Leading in Sustainability - Setting the Standard for Small to Medium Businesses Award (sponsored by Amcor) have another thing in common – a passion to leave this country in a better state. Whether it is Cate Blanchett’s Sydney Theatre Company, two restaurants at the top and bottom ends of the country (Saffrron Restaurant NT; The Ugly Duck Out, Tas) or a fairtrade organic clothing company (3Fish, Vic). They are all driven with a vision to inspire.

The competition is hot for the 2011 Education - Raising the Bar Award (sponsored by the Publishers National Environmental Bureau) with a record number of finalists, reflecting not only the volume of entrants but the high standard and amazing variety of initiatives. Finalists range from an education program for the disabled to assist them reduce their footprint (SustainabilityStars - E.W. Tipping Foundation) to initiatives that give us a greater understanding of impact of our choices when shopping (Don’t Palm Us Off – Zoos Victoria).

Public and private organisations compete for the 2011 Leading in Sustainability - Setting the Standard for Large Organisations Award (sponsored by the Office of Environment and Heritage NSW). A cross section of local and international large businesses, include Stocklands, Finsbury Green, Godfrey Hirst Australia, NAB, Sinclair Knight Merz and Fujitsu, show the diversity of commitment to sustainability.

The 58 finalists represent thousands of people working together demonstrating that sustainability in Australia is possible today and more importantly they prove that it is a wise business choice. The Banksia Environmental Foundation would like to congratulate them on the phenomenal contribution they are all making to this country.

The winners will be announced on 28 October 2011 at the Official Awards Presentation to be held at NIDA, Sydney. For finalist details go to www.banksiafdn.com