Environmental Excellence Awards
We acknowledge and reward high school students for excellence in "sustainability" and "environmental action and awareness". Watch the video.
Starting our first awards at Maclean High School over 25 years ago, we now offer these annual awards across the North Coast of New South Wales, from Coffs Harbour to Tweed.
Each participating high school is eligible to win at least one award, and a Regional Leadership Award is presented to the most outstanding student overall. Please contact us for more details, or if you would like to donate towards the prizes.
Award Winners from each High School 2021
(listed in alphabetical order of school)
Indigo Horn, Ballina Coast HS, Yr9. Indigo has consistently participated in and encouraged others to be involved in environmental activism. She supports activities such as National Tree Day and Clean Up Australia in her role as President of the SRC; promotes recycling and waste reduction; and ongoing tree planting and management of the school Landcare site even through lockdown!
Ella Whan, Byron Bay HS, Yr12. Ella has demonstrated exceptional leadership in environmental and climate action including: organising the School Strikes for Climate in Byron Shire 2020 & 2021 as part of a team of young people; liaising with media, politicians and insurance groups; and effective social media campaigns for these strikes, reducing carbon emissions, and the importance of enrolling to vote
Minyarni Isaac-Fisher, Evans River Community School, Yr9. Minyarni shows active leadership in living a sustainable lifestyle and the school's green initiatives including: Clean Up Australia Day; Return and Earn collection and recycling glass and plastic bottles for charity; and food waste sorting for compost to school farm
Maddison Carlton, Grafton HS, Yr11 Maddison is an active member of the Environment Committee, contributing to construction of the Year 12 Green Space. She has made an outstanding contribution to environmental awareness in the wider community of Grafton, including attending many protests, and information sessions and stalls on mining in the Clarence Valley.
Saoirse Chu, Kingscliff HS, Yr12. Saoirse is current President and has been integral to the development of EcoFriends environment club. She has established a whole school “wear it green day” to celebrate World Environment Day; organised tree planting in collaboration with community partners for National Tree Day; and is the founder and producer of the ‘Be the Change’ community radio show.
Ember Edie, Maclean HS, Yr12. Ember is one of the most active members of the Student Representative Council. She has organised fundraising events including Clean Up Australia Day & World’s Greatest Shave; and received 131 FRESH awards this year for her contribution and commitment to the school.
Dune Care Team - Kerry Clark-Arthur Yr12, Jade Tatum-Lube Yr9, Jye Hackwood Yr9, Shanaki Lisson Yr7, Murwillumbah HS. o The Dune Care Team have removed invasive weeds & replanting endemic species; cared for and demonstrated awareness of environment. They have been working as a group, showing excellent team work, and participated in a community activity.
Sabyah Ryan-White, Nimbin Central School, Yr7. Sabyah has made an outstanding contribution to awareness-raising of the climate crisis and activism towards a more environmentally friendly society. This includes being a key speaker in the documentary Girls for Future, and strong advocacy in her role as an SRC representative.
Bridie Shepherd, The Rivers Secondary (Richmond River) HS, Yr9. Bridie has shown consistent participation in and promotion of sustainable farming practises; promotes environmental awareness, and is a guardian of her school’s unique environmental backdrop.
Freyja Giese, Toormina HS, Yr10. Freyja has demonstrated continued advocacy for climate action and awareness of environmental changes due to our carbon footprint, initiating and organising student climate action meetings within school and wider community. She shows a genuine passion for educating and informing others.
Audrey O’Donnell-Parr, Wollumbin HS, Yr9. Audrey is an active advocate for the environment inspiring the creation of a school environmental group; facilitating public workshops encouraging more sustainable practices and climate resilience; and actively participating in public rallies to increase environmental awareness.
* All photographs are from previous year winners. We are waiting for current winners to send us photos of their endeavours! If you are one of the 2021 WINNERS, please email us your photo NOW : )
Criteria for these awards are that students have shown demonstrable interest, leadership, passion and commitment towards environmental excellence and sustainability through actions, programs or effort either in school time and/or out-of-school hours. Prizes for the winners from each school include cash (!), publicity, and a printed award.
This environmental award is now acknowledged by most participating high schools as a key student award, presented alongside more traditional academic, sporting and citizenship awards. Recipients have used it effectively in resumes for employment and submissions for university and other tertiary placements.
Past Winners
2020 (details here)
Regional Leadership Winner:
Tosh Perrow, Yr10, Byron High School
School Winners:
Rose May Christmas, Alstonville HS, Yr9
Garry McKenzie, Ballina Coast HS, Yr9
Heidi McClure & Isabelle Wicks, Evans River Community School, Yr7
Taya Clark, Kingscliff HS, Yr11
Bailey Guy Yr10, Jye Hackwood Yr8 & Savannah Juniel-Shepherd Yr10, Murwillumbah HS
Aliya Cassel, Nimbin Central School, Yr11
Montana Loader & Kaya McCoy, Orara HS, Yr7
Chelsea Boucher & Tahlo Nicholson-Moss, The Rivers Secondary (Richmond River) HS, Yr10
Eden Cunningham, Toormina HS, Yr12
Eliose Briley, Woolgoolga HS, Yr8
2019 (details here)
Regional Leadership Winner:
Stella Rees, Bellingen High School
Runner Up:
Vindi Ferguson, Byron High School
School Winners:
Coen Acret, Alstonville HS
Hope O’Connor, Ballina Coast HS
Charlotte Penhall, Coffs Harbour HS
Sunny Gillespie, Evans River Community School
Oskar Robertson, Grafton HS
Mia Taylor, Kingscliff HS
Eva Macnamara, Maclean HS
LS2 Class, Murwillumbah HS: Jack Latham, Jade Tatam-Lube, Jayde Johnson, Jye Hackwood, Meghan Butler, Nimai Havey, Tahliya Bennett.
Kai Prikulis, Nimbin HS
Belle Crowe, Orara HS
Abbey Bailey, The Rivers Secondary (Lismore) HS
Bowen Law, The Rivers Secondary (Richmond River) HS
Megan Elliot, St Johns College
Eleonor Logan-Cole, Trinity Catholic College
Jazmine Cooke, Tweed River HS
Tahlia-Belle Janetzki & Ella Curtis, Wollumbin HS
Taryn McCarthy, Woolgoolga HS
2018 (details here)
Regional Leadership Winner:
Ziggy McCartin Cole, Evans River Community School
Runners Up:
LS2 Class, Murwillumbah High School: Owen Findlay, Nimai Havey, Meghan Butler, Keshav Biswas, Kerry Clark-Arthur, Jessie Ross, Jayde Johnson, James Severs, Jack Latham, Christopher Hourn.
School Winners:
Zoe Fairfull & Rose Christmas, Alstonville HS
Hayley Hill, Ballina Coast HS
Summer Storm, Bellingen HS
Lucia Miles, Byron Bay HS
Felix Egan, Coff Harbour HS
Katie McGuire, Grafton HS
Ryan Adams, Maclean HS
Zoe Arias-Walker, Mullumbimby HS
Kai Prikulis, Nimbin HS
Cameron Mustard, Richmond River HS
Jasper Williams, Toormina HS
2017 (details here)
Regional Leadership Winner:
Samual Gribben, Bellingen HSRunners Up:
Ruby Reeve, Byron Bay HSYee Ming Goh, Maclean HS
School Winners:
Lily Christmas & Charlotte Lopes, Alstonville HS
Keshav Biswas, Murwillumbah HS
Neem Solomon, Nimbin Central School
Alyssa MacDonald, The Rivers SC, Richmond River High Campus
Elkan Novak, The Rivers SC, Richmond River High Campus
Decklyn Brown, The Rivers Secondary College, Richmond River High Campus
Rachel Holm, Toormina HS
2016
Regional Leadership Winner
Edward Hubbard, Murwillumbah HSSchool Winners:
Bella Rubbo-Fairbairn, Byron Bay HSBenjamin Soden, Maclean HS
Edward Hubbard, Murwillumbah HS
Kai Prikulis, Nimbin Central School
Damon Cook, The Rivers SC, Richmond River High Campus
Elkan Novak, The Rivers SC, Richmond River High Campus
2015
Jake Fitzpatrick, Byron Bay HS
Morgan Koekemoer, Grafton High School
Braydon Connor, Maclean High School
Freya Hughes, Mullumbimby High School
Kaliah Fletcher, Mullumbimby High School
Jason Williams, Murwillumbah High School
Megan Lee, Nimbin Central School
Joel Mudge, Wollumbin High School
2014
William Sykes, Ballina High School
Nickolla Clark, Byron Bay High School
Taylah Holwerda, Coffs Harbour High School
Annabel Green, Grafton High School
Tayla Letts, Lismore High School
Besse Groves, Maclean High School
Lily Bullock, Mullumbimby High School
Romany Claringbull, Mullumbimby High School
Rhiannon Hayes, Murwillumbah High School
Jessie Kenneally-Clarke, Nimbin Central School
Jesulin Duray, South Grafton High School
Jake Kennedy, Wollumbin High School
2013
Daniel Martenet, Ballina High School
Ruby Tavener-Graham, Coffs Harbour High School
Matilda Lynch, Dorrigo High School
Bethany Bayliss, Evans River K-12 School
Melissa Picone, Grafton High School
Jakira Toniello, Lismore High School
Benjamin Pilcher, Maclean High School
Charlotte Higgins, Murwillumbah High School
Kudra Falla-Ricketts Trinity Catholic College Lismore
Luacy Vieria-Silva, Trinity Catholic College Lismore
Samuel Cook, Wollumbin High School
2012
Jack Norris, Ballina HS
Jack Christian, Byron Bay HS
Joel Ashworth, Byron Bay HS
Tiarne Hely, Coff Harbour HS
Grace Jones, Dorrigo HS
Briony Moore, Grafton HS
Maddy Braddon, Lismore HS
Robert Baker, Maclean HS
Courtney Bailey, Mullumbimby HS
Vanamali Hermans, Murwillumbah HS
Haven English, Murwillumbah HS
James Smykowsky, Richmond River HS
Rachael Payne, South Grafton
Genevieve Payne, Trinity Catholic College
Bridget Lea, Trinity Catholic College
Zak Thomas, Wollumbin HS
2011
Ellyssa McGinley, Ballina High School
Zeb Branton, Byron Bay High School
Juliette Kidston, Coffs Harbour High School
Teegan Ellis, Dorrigo High School
Reba Blake, Grafton High School
Maddy Braddon, Lismore High School
Kyah Hurrell, Maclean High School
Courtney Bailey, Mullumbimby High School
Monique Orell, Murwillubah High School
Hayden Cridland, Murwillumbah High School
Brianna Morris-Grant, Murwillumbah High School
Peter Macklin, South Grafton High School
Amelia Telford, Trinity Catholic College Lismore
James Lea, Trinity Catholic College Lismore
Kurtis Foulkes, Wollumbin High School
2010
Penny Skehan, Alstonville HS
Guy Luckenby, Coffs Harbour HS
Ryan McCallum, Grafton HS
Alice Batcheldor, Maclean HS
Jessica Bohan-Jensen, Murwillumbah HS
Soraya Quaine, Murwillumbah HS
Luke Asi, Nimbin HS
Sapote Hudd, Nimbin HS
Mahalia Jackson, Nimbin HS
Liam Dudgeon, South Grafton HS
Mikayla Robinson, Toormina HS
Madilyn Brady, Toormina HS
Haydn Maynard, Wollumbin HS
Megan Vynne, Southern Cross Uni
2009
Kel Gale, Alstonville HS
Henry Garrad, Bellingen HS
Sarah Trende, Byron Bay HS
Matt Flanders, Coffs Harbour HS
Katherine Sangster, Dorrigo HS
Tegan Morgan, Grafton HS
Gwen Palmer, Kyogle HS
Maree Dibella, Maclean HS
Chi Chi Mester, Mullumbimby HS
Jessica Bohan-Jensen, Murwillumbah HS
Jasmine Russ, Murwillumbah HS
Eileen Hodgkins, Murwillumbah HS
Soraya Quaine, Murwillumbah HS
Andrew Attwater, South Grafton HS
Alethea Cotmore, Wollumbin HS
Gwenaella Anne Seznec, Southern Cross Uni
2008
Zoe McClure, Lismore HS
Sasha Hunt, Lismore HS
Jake Farrell, Wollumbin HS
Matthew Skelton, Toormina HS
Kaitlin Cowan, South Grafton HS
Oli Landreth, Nimbin HS
Rowan Campbell, Murwillumbah HS
Kirsty Sheridan, Mullumbimby HS
Nikki Gibson, Maclean HS
Lucy Barker, Kadina HS
Alice Lane, Grafton HS
Kymbalee Tarran, Dorrigo HS
Shiloh Mignot, Byron Bay HS
Jacob Rodney Daley, Southern Cross Uni
2007
Keeghan Silcock, Alstonville HS
Cooper Dames, Byron Bay HS
Kymbalee Tarran, Dorrigo HS
Lucia Botta-Stanwell, Lismore HS
Karlee Gosewisch, Lismore HS
Erin McKenzie, Lismore HS
Alana Hutchison, Lismore HS
Jessica McLachlan, Maclean HS
Natasha Allen, Mullumbimby HS
Leanora Collett, Murwillumbah HS
Rennie Mitchell, Richmond River HS
Craig Evers, South Grafton HS
Ian Francis Hayes, Southern Cross Uni
2006
Sorelle Warzecha, Ballina HS
Chester Pierson, Byron Bay HS
Adele Finch, Coffs Harbour HS
Leah Varley, Coffs Harbour HS
Brianna Parbery, Dorrigo HS
Emma Quinlivan, Grafton HS
Lara Casson, Grafton HS
Tegan Morgan, Grafton HS
Alyson Hewett, Kadina HS
Victoria Jenkins, Kingscliff HS
Brendan Bedding, Kyogle HS
Reid Shipway, Murwillumbah HS
Angus McDowall, Maclean HS
Tenielle Joyce, Mullumbimby HS
Jeremy Hill, Richmond River HS
Crystal Jongen, South Grafton HS
Andrew Carroll, Wauchope HS
Adrian Peter Woodman, Southern Cross Uni
2005
Tim Murphy, Southern Cross Uni
2004
Kieran Searle, Maclean HS
Tiffany Keenan, Byron Bay HS
2002
Marika Tyas-Tunggal, Maclean HS
2001
Sue Jeong, Maclean HS
Sasha Kerr, Maclean HS
Frankie Sergeant, Maclean HS
Michael Schilling, Maclean HS
Scott Urquart, Maclean HS
2000
Marika Tyas-Tunggal, Maclean HS
1999
Marika Tyas-Tunggal, Maclean HS
Isabelle Nicoll, Maclean HS
Josh Dinham, Maclean HS
Jessica O’Connell, Maclean HS
Previous winners ... lost in the mists of time!
