The ResourceSmart Schools Awards are Victoria’s largest celebration of students, teachers, volunteers and school communities taking action for a sustainable future.
The 2027 theme, Our Action, Our Future, recognises that every action, big or small, contributes to a more sustainable future. Whether a school is taking its first sustainability steps or leading innovative environmental initiatives, every contribution helps create healthier schools, stronger communities and a better future for generations to come.
Through leadership, collaboration and innovation, Victorian school communities are demonstrating that the choices we make today shape the future we share.
Every action counts.
Why schools enter the awards
Entering the awards gives schools an opportunity to:
- Reflect on achievements: Celebrate progress and recognise the positive changes made by students, staff and the wider community.
- Recognise sustainability champions: Acknowledge outstanding contributions from teachers, students, volunteers and community partners.
- Raise the profile of your work: Share successful projects and inspire others across Victoria.
- Attend a special celebration: Finalists are invited to a prestigious awards ceremony featuring sustainability leaders, government representatives and special guests.
- Stay active in ResourceSmart Schools: Active schools can continue accessing support from their local ResourceSmart Schools Facilitator.
Not active? It’s free and easy to become a ResourceSmart School.
Key dates 2027
- Entries open: Tuesday 20 October 2026
- Entries close: Friday 5 March 2027
- Finalists announced: April 2027
- Awards ceremony and winners announced: June 2027
Awards ceremony
This invitation-only event brings together Award finalists, partners, sponsors and sustainability champions from across Victoria to celebrate sustainability achievements, share innovative projects and connect with like-minded educators, students and leaders.
Check out what it looks like:
Award categories
The awards celebrate every step towards a sustainable future. Schools, teachers, volunteers and students are invited to enter the following categories:
- Campus Infrastructure and Operations School of the Year
- Emerging School of the Year
- School Volunteer of the Year
- Student Action Team of the Year (Primary)
- Student Action Team of the Year (Secondary)
- Curriculum Leadership School of the Year (Primary)
- Curriculum Leadership School of the Year (Secondary)
- CDS Vic Excellence Award (Primary) [Sponsored by CDS Vic]
- CDS Vic Excellence Award (Secondary) [Sponsored by CDS Vic]
- Teacher of the Year (Primary)
- Teacher of the Year (Secondary)
- ResourceSmart School of the Year
Eligibility
Entries are open to active ResourceSmart Schools. Schools must have completed at least one action in ResourceSmart Schools Online during the eligibility period.
Additional eligibility requirements apply to some categories:
- ResourceSmart School of the Year: Schools must hold a minimum of 3-Star ResourceSmart Schools certification.
- CDS Vic Excellence Award: Schools must be registered with Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme and be active ResourceSmart Schools participants.
- Volunteer of the Year: Nominees must be genuine volunteers and not have received payment (including in-kind) for their contribution.
- Emerging School of the Year: Must have joined ResourceSmart between 1 July 2025 and 5 March 2027 OR set a resource baseline for the first time during this period.
Please read Terms and Conditions for more information.
Support available
The ResourceSmart Schools Awards celebrate sustainability achievements in all their forms, recognising innovation, impact and community engagement of schools at every stage of the sustainability journey.
To help you prepare your entry, we offer a range of resources and support:
- Scoring rubrics (PDF, 280.3 KB) to help you understand how entries are assessed.
- Sample entries showcasing the breadth of projects, initiatives and outcomes that can be included in a submission.
- One-on-one coaching to discuss your ideas and receive tailored advice.
- Early draft feedback for entries submitted on the Awards portal before 22 December 2026.
- Travel and Casual Relief Teacher subsidies to help finalist schools attend the Awards.
- Awards ceremony livestream so school communities across Victoria can join the celebration.
Online show and tell
Tuesday 8 December
Attend a 45-minute Show and Tell online event with awards winners and finalists to learn application tips and tricks.
Previous finalists and winners
Looking for inspiration? Read about previous finalists and winners and discover the sustainability initiatives making a difference in schools across the state.
Information session
How to enter
Enter online via AwardForce.
All entries must include at least one media-ready photograph
Your photograph should:
- Clearly represent the sustainability project or initiative being nominated
- Include students, staff or volunteers where appropriate
- Be high-resolution (over 2 MB) and suitable for media publication
- Have consent forms completed for all recognisable individuals
Download fillable PDF consent forms
Contact us
If you have questions about the Awards, or would like to learn more about becoming part of the ResourceSmart Schools community, please email resourcesmartawards@deeca.vic.gov.au or make a booking with the Awards team.
Page last updated: 27/10/26