By Gladys Barreta
Overnewton Anglican Community College has once again been recognised for its outstanding efforts in sustainability practices, being named a finalist in the 2025 ResourceSmart Schools Awards.
The school, located in Keilor has been nominated in the School Volunteer of the Year category for its successful Parent Sustainability Group (PSG) and volunteer work with the local Council, including tree planting initiatives.
Overnewton Community College is no stranger to sustainability accolades, having previously won the Emerging School of the Year (2022) and Student Action Group (2023) awards. The school was also recognised as a finalist in the Volunteer of the Year category in 2023 and 2024.
The Parent Sustainability Group (PSG) was established in 2021 and plays a crucial role in advancing the school’s sustainability vision meeting each term to discuss and plan various projects.
In 2024, PSG focused on recycling and waste reduction through a waste audit, a Reusable Party Kit, a stationery drive, and, in collaboration with staff, successfully certified the school’s RSS Waste Module.
PSG members also volunteered with the council to plant trees, contributing to local biodiversity and participating in tree planting events for National Tree Day.
Additionally, PSG members, who work in various sustainability sectors, offered career advice at the Senior School Expo and organised site visits to explore partnership opportunities, including with a nearby organic farm and Melbourne Water for Maribyrnong riverbank revegetation.
Synergy Leader for Sustainability and Indigenous Connections, Sasha Koomen expressed gratitude for the recognition of the Parent Sustainability Group’s hard work.
“They are an incredibly dedicated volunteer team. They are efficient, skilled, and generously share their knowledge from many different fields, demonstrating the power of community when everyone works together,” she said.
Ms. Koomen also shared the school’s aspiration to achieve Five Star ResourceSmart status in the future. “Currently, we are focusing on biodiversity. Our students are auditing and recognizing the plants and animals around us,” she said.
“We are always thinking about our connection to the land and incorporate learnings and language from the Wurundjeri people. This helps us connect ideas and talk about reconciliation while learning on country.
“Practicing sustainability is integral for our students, helping them think about their future and understand how we are all responsible for the land we live on.”
