The 2021 Clarence Valley Council Living Sustainably Awards saw a record number of nominations.

In a year that has demanded sustainability at so many levels, our 16 nominees demonstrated not only sustainability but resilience and determination. Council would like to recognize and congratulate all nominees in this year’s awards.

This year’s winners demonstrated excellence.

Winners Education

Grafton Public School

Grafton Public School has been developing and implementing sustainable living programs across a broad range of areas for more than 6 years. One of the initiatives, the bike bus, has seen the number of students riding and walking to and from school increase from 4% to 32% per day which sees 150 less vehicle movements each morning and afternoon.

The Grafton Public School Bike Mechanic program is a new initiative which uses reclaimed bikes from the Grafton regional landfill to teach students the importance of bicycle maintenance. These bikes are rehomed or gifted to students in need.

Winners Business (large)

Sanctus Brewing Co.

Sanctus Brewing Co have installed over 300 solar panels (99kW system) 3 x 22,000L rainwater tanks, 4 x commercial worm beds, two flow honey hives and a market garden with an abundance of fresh & seasonal produce to incorporate into their seasonal recipes. Their focus on sustainability is a point of difference in their industry and is taken very seriously by the brewing crew in Townsend.

 Winners Business (small)

The Clarence Kitchen Collective

The Clarence Kitchen Collective treads gently in the Valley and has cemented itself as a hub for well being and sharing. Customers are treated with wholesome food made from ingredients produced organically, seasonally and locally wherever possible. Net waste is minimal due to thoughtful and well researched practices. Marijke nurtures and educates her staff and customers in living sustainably in the Valley.

 Winners Community

The Mend and Make Do Crew Inc.

In January 2014 a Facebook Group called Mend & Make Do was established by founding President, Ursula Tunks. This quickly became a real-life recycling-based craft group dedicated to reducing landfill and social inclusion, who then became the founding members of The Mend & Make Do Crew Inc. They established their first Social Enterprise with the opening of the Mend and Make Do Op Shop in July 2016 and have continued to meet the demands of Homelessness and Emergency Relief organisations across the Northern rivers of NSW since. They have provided well in advance of 11 000 emergency relief kits and continue to provide opportunities for members to develop skills and create networks.

Winner Individual

Wayne Stevens

Wayne Stevens is a man with boundless passion for Susan Island, working in his spare time to restore native vegetation on the island and leading bush regeneration volunteers. Generous with his knowledge, and with infectious energy, he inspires volunteers to work hard taking care of this unique island.

Winners Our Backyard

Juli Grant and Denise Molloy

Denise and Juli make wonderful contributions to Iluka. Their residential property is covered in sustainably grown food which not only supplies their needs, but the needs of their local cafés and community as well. Their permaculture philosophy is outstanding and extends to others, with Juli teaching and helping young people to set up their own sustainable gardens.