SwitchOn! issue 1.3 | Page 57

A large “billabong” has also been constructed beside the M&ICC that is home to a population of endangered Silver Perch, Eastern Long Necked Tortoises and a rich diversity of macro invertebrates. In November 2012 at the International Green Awards held in London, Bentleigh Secondary College was named the “Most Sustainable Education Institution” globally. This was followed in 2013 with the Premier’s Sustainability Award for Education. Most recently they won the 2014 United Nations of Australia World Environment Day in the category of Environmental School. The visionary behind these ground-breaking innovations, Sustainability Manager Bill Thomas, is justifiably very proud of his school. “We have a dedicated team of student sustainability leaders, ‘The Green Machine,’ who lead many of our programmes and take responsibility for bringing the sustainability message to the wider community. At Bentleigh Secondary College we believe in walking the walk and being an example of the best practice in all areas of sustainability and we are not afraid of putting our money where our mouth is!“ Bentleigh Seconday College Awards include: • 2014 Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Cities Awards (announced August 1st) Finalist Environmental Sustainability Award Finalist Community Government Partnerships – Meditation and Indigenous Cultural Centre, A Community Government Partnership Finalist Protection of the Environment – Moorooboon Wetland and Urban Forest • 2014 • 2013 • 2013 Winner United Nations Of Australia Environmental School Award Winner Premier’s Sustainability Award Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Cities Awards Winner Active School Award - Moorooboon Wetland and Urban Forest Finalist Community Government Partnerships – Meditation and Indigenous Cultural Centre, A Community Government Partnership Finalist Protection of the Environment – Moorooboon Wetland and Urban Forest • • • • • • • 2012 2012 2012 2011 2011 2011 2010 International Green Awards, Most Sustainable Educational Institution ResourceSmart Biodiversity Award ResourceSmart Water Award Regional and State Winner Schools Garden Awards. 5 Star Sustainable Schools Initiative Accreditation United Nations of Australia World Environment F