About the Department

Victorian Schools' Garden Awards

The Victorian Schools’ Garden Awards encourage school communities to utilise their gardens and grounds effectively. The Awards provide a great opportunity for students to explore fresh ideas in the face of water scarcity and climate change.

2008 celebrates the 31st anniversary of this popular program which, over its history, has involved more than 3 million students.

All Victorian schools are invited to enter the Awards by completing the entry available at http://www.ngiv.com.au/schools-garden-awards

Schools and regions affected by drought are especially encouraged to participate in the program, thereby helping to expand traditional notions of what gardening can embrace or lead to.

Categories

Because of different school sizes and types, the Awards are assessed across the following categories:

  • Primary and Special Schools with 100 pupils or less
  • Primary and Special Schools with 101 - 280 pupils
  • Primary and Special Schools with over 280 pupils
  • Post-primary Schools

The Awards are open to all Government and non-Government schools.

Judging Process

Assessment is not based on the most aesthetic school grounds or garden but on improvements made to the school environment through an active involvement of pupils, teachers and the school community. Judging criteria is contained in the entry form (PDF).

Judges visit entrant schools during Term 3, and regional winners and state finalists are announced during Term 4. In late October, popular gardening personality Jane Edmanson (and her team of judges) visit finalists across Victoria, and the Awards presentation takes place in December.

Awards

With a total prize pool in excess of $35,000, winning schools receive nursery vouchers to use on further school grounds development. A variety of Awards have been established to acknowledge the endeavours of entrants in all nine of Victoria’s Education Regions.

Regional Awards ($300 plus plaque)

One Regional Award per category is presented for each Education Region.

Achievement Awards ($200 plus certificate)

Two Achievement Awards per category are presented for each Education Region.

State Awards ($1,000 plus plaque)

These are the major awards and are chosen by the State Judging Panel from the nominated Regional Award winners. There are four State Award recipients (one from each category).

Note: Any school receiving a State Award will be ineligible to win a State Award in the following year; however, the school will be eligible to receive any other award.

Awards of Merit ($450 plus plaque)

These are sponsor awards and are chosen by the State Judging Panel. The awards recognise the high standard of the school garden, grounds development and maintenance. Factors such as socio-economic, soil and climatic conditions may be taken into consideration.

Special Awards ($450)

At the discretion of the State Judging Panel, special awards may be given. These Awards take into consideration some special feature not covered under the Award criteria.

Pink Heath Awards ($450)

These awards acknowledge outstanding continuous development of school grounds.

Kevin Heinze Perpetual Development Award

As a tribute to Awards founder Kevin Heinze, a suite of paintings depicting personalities associated with the program will honour a school that has achieved outstanding and consistent performance over time. These paintings will reside with the recipient school for the following 12 months.

Participation Certificate

All schools receive a congratulatory certificate for entering the Awards. This certificate is signed by gardening personality and Patron of the Awards, Kevin Heinze AO, and is presented by Regional Judges during their judging visit.

School Gardens Advisory Service

Schools can arrange a brief visit by a School Gardens Advisor for advice on developing school grounds projects.

For more information contact Paul Crowe:
Tel: (03) 9858 2979
Fax: (03) 9852 2115
Email: paulcrowe33@optusnet.com.au

More Information

For more information about the Schools’ Garden Awards, contact Debbie Daks, VSGA Program Coordinator, on 0417 507 574, or visit the Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria website (http://www.ngiv.com.au/)