Uniting Church-associated school Cornish College has become the first organisation in Australia to receive the Five Leaf Award, the highest honour in the Five Leaf Eco-Awards program.
The Five Leaf Eco-Awards are an Australian ecumenical environmental change program specifically designed for churches and religious organisations.
To earn the Five Leaf Award, an organisation must have already attained the Basic Certificate, Eco Worship Award, Eco Building Award, Eco Congregation Award and Eco Outreach Award.
“Becoming the first organisation to earn the Five Leaf Award speaks to Cornish’s years of deliberate, thoughtful and persistent work,” said chaplain, Rev Claire Dawe, who applied for the awards on behalf of the college.
“The awards have provided a framework for focused action and encouraged us to go deeper into some challenging issues, like waste and litter, rather than take a scattergun approach and try to do too much in one go.
“It’s been challenging, but the students have enjoyed being stretched and encouraged to pursue and achieve real change.
“Sustainability is part of our DNA as a school.”
Principal Nicola Forrest emphasised the collective effort behind the achievement.
“These awards reflect the hard work and passion of our college community,” she said.
“Our climate action leaders, students from all year levels, passionate staff and families have all contributed, as we worked towards achieving the award criteria.
“Earning this Five Leaf Award affirms everything we have achieved and encourages us to do more.”
