Submissions for Australia's most prestigious national sustainability awards are now open.
"For 33 years, the Banksia National Sustainability Awards have celebrated innovation, leadership and excellence across Australia's sustainability sector," says Banksia Foundation CEO Graz van Egmond.
"The Banksia Awards recognise individuals, communities, businesses and government for their efforts in environmental and social stewardship which are making a positive impact on the world around them.
"The entrants are diverse but share optimism and hope to inspire change for the better."
The 33rd Banksia National Sustainability Awards are again aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the global blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
Ms van Egmond says in this way the entrants demonstrate the local action and global thinking needed to shape a brighter future post COVID-19.
"Work in sustainable development across Australia has continued despite COVID-19, and we are proud to celebrate the people and organisations that have maintained this vital work through this challenging time," says Ms van Egmond.
"It's a real credit to Australians, who have worked through the challenges, and been able to seize the opportunity to think about how we can do things differently. They've shown great resilience and optimism so the new normal – whatever that looks like – can be more sustainable and fairer for all."
To ensure the Awards remain relevant in the fast-changing world, the Banksia Foundation has introduced three types of award categories this year:
● Themed categories for entrants representing specific sustainability projects
● Sector categories that encourage entries from all types of organisations
● Categories for special interest groups
"By adapting our category offerings, we are broadening our reach to cater to a larger pool of potential entrants. We're making it easier and more convenient for people to select the appropriate category to enter," says Ms van Egmond.
The winners of each category vie for the ultimate Banksia Gold Award that recognises 'the best of the best'. This award celebrates leaders who are pioneering new ideas and actions which challenge the status quo within the Australian community.
Entries for the 33rd Banksia Awards will close on 24 November 2021 at 5pm, with the winners announced at an awards ceremony in March 2022.
