Awards
With a total prize pool in excess of $35,000, winning schools receive prize vouchers to use on further school grounds development.
The Kevin Heinze Perpetual Development Award now incorporates a major financial component.
In 2011 the Turf Producers Association of Victoria will award a complete lawn makeover to one lucky school, comprising up to 3,000 square metres of Kikuyu grass, valued at $45,000.
1. Regional Awards $300
One Regional Award per category is awarded for each region.
2. Achievement Awards $200
Two Achievement Awards per category are awarded for each region.
3. State Awards $1,000
These are the major awards and are chosen by the State Judging Panel from the nominated Regional Award winners. There are four State winners, one from each category.
Note: Any school that is awarded a State Award in any one year will be ineligible to win a State Award in the following year; however the school will be eligible to win any other award.
4. Awards of Merit $500
These are the Sponsors' awards and will be chosen by the State Judging Panel. The awards recognise the high standard of the school garden, grounds development and maintenance. Such factors as socioeconomic, soil and climatic conditions will be taken into consideration.
5. Special Awards $500
At the discretion of the State Judging Panel, special awards may be given. These awards take into consideration special features not covered under the award criteria.
6. Pink Heath Award $500
This award recognises the continuous and outstanding development of a school's gardens and grounds.
7. Kevin Heinze Perpetual Development Award $2,500
As a tribute to Awards founder, the late Kevin Heinze, this major prize is chosen from winners of the Pink Heath Award. It recognises the continuous and outstanding range of gardening and environmental activities involving students. Four paintings by Debbie Daks, to he held by the school for 12 months, are also made available.
8. Turf Producers Turf Package
In 2011 the Turf Producers Association of Victoria will award a complete lawn makeover to one lucky school, comprising up to 3,000 square metres of Kikuyu grass, valued at $45,000.
To apply for this prize, see: Schools' Garden Awards
9. Kubota School of the Month Award - A Kubota Ride-on Mower valued at $5,770
A winning school 'garden tip' will be chosen monthly throughout 2011. All winning entries will be eligible for the major prize of a Kubota T1880 Mower to be presented at the VSGA Presentation Day at the end of the year.
To apply for this prize, send your school ‘garden tip’, together with school details and a contact person to sga@ngiv.com.au
10. Fat Fruit Greenhouses - A greenhouse valued at $2,930
To apply for this prize, see: Schools' Garden Awards
11. The Rose Award (20 potted bush roses)
This award recognises the degree of difficulty existing in a particular school in extreme climatic conditions.
Participation Certificate
All schools receive a congratulatory certificate for entering the Awards. This certificate is signed by gardening personality and Awards Chair, Jane Edmanson OAM, and is presented by Regional Judges during their judging visit.
Additional opportunities
In addition to completing your entry, schools are invited to contribute their ideas and experiences throughout the year. We’d like to see what you’re up to, and to prepare special features for website display or magazine publication that reveal the challenges and opportunities you’ve encountered.
School contributions might take the form of a term-by-term or seasonal diary, something you may wish to photograph or video and send in to the Awards Coordinator. The Department, in partnership with Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria, will be looking at ways of showcasing your gardening deeds and stories, and the efforts of winning schools will feature on the Department’s website in December.