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The DSC Developing Sustainable Communities Awards was a tremendous success with 130 guests attending on Saturday night 25th August. The Port Douglas Community Hall was transformed into a decorative wonderland and Port Douglas Catering provided first class cuisine. Local people who are leading the way forward to a sustainable future were awarded for their vision.
Council Sustainability Officer Maree Grenfell said the winners included representatives from a local school, a tourism business, an accommodation lodge, community groups, a wetland re-vegetation project and a local couple?s home. The winners of each award were congratulated for perusing initiatives that make environmental, economical and social sustainability a reality.
Each recipient spoke proudly of their achievements and encouraged the Douglas Shire to embrace a sustainable vision.
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| DSC Developing Sustainable Award Winners: | |
Places of living:
Greg Keith and Sarah Betts (Mossman)
Places of work:
Port O'Call Eco Lodge (Port Douglas)
Places of visitation:
Daintree Discovery Centre (Cow Bay)
Places of nature:
Wild Wings and Swampy Things (Barrett?s Ck)
Places of learning:
Wonga Beach State School (Wonga Beach)
Place of community:
Kath Anich - Local Produce Group and;
Douglas Shire Sustainability Group
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| The speakers | |
The Douglas Shire Council Developing Sustainable Communities awards were hailed a success with two guest speakers who prompted many attendees to re-think their home and work places in terms of sustainability. Pat Morrish was MC for the evening.
Guest speaker Dr Graeme Pearman explained that after 30 years of being a scientist, he believes that people need to make changes in their everyday lives to achieve a sustainable planet. Gilbert Rochecouste from Village Well in Melbourne focused on "the new story of sustainability" and illustrated how people were making those changes, beginning in their homes and small communities.
Gilbert highlighted the importance of relocalisation. He pointed out that "returning to the village" means localising community needs such as food systems, water, energy, transportation, manufacturing, business, education, culture and government, which in turn builds stronger communities. Topics such as carbon credits, food miles, living in a carbon neutral way and the fact that big business and not politicians were leading the changes, were discussed.
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| Displays | |
The local community provided informative displays including a squashed car from DSC Environmental Health Department (to illustrate efficient transport in recyclable materials).
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| Other displays included Bird Textile fashion from No. 5 in Port Douglas which is Australia?s first carbon neutral clothing. Wonga Beach State School students illustrated their revegetation projects and local community groups provided material on their activities and how to get involved.
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