Be heard, louder than ever! Today the Banksia Foundation lays down the challenge for people and organisations working towards a net-positive tomorrow.

Entries for the 34th National Banksia Sustainability Awards opened on the 9th of August. Australia’s longest-running and most prestigious sustainability awards recognises leadership in biodiversity, climate change, and First Nations people, reinforcing the diversity of sustainability with over 15 categories.

“It’s time to amplify the positive impact of champions for sustainable development in Australia,” says Banksia Foundation CEO Graz van Egmond. “It’s time to recharge the nation’s efforts on people and planet.”

“The latest State of the Environment report, a bill for a climate target in the Australian Parliament, and a proposal for a First Nations Voice in the Constitution are raising the urgency for leadership on these issues.

“There is keen interest in efforts to regenerate nature, accelerate climate action, and recognise First Nations people. We want a world that is nature positive, net-positive on carbon, and positive for First Australians.

“We seek to recognise those changemakers who are leading us to a better future. They know who they are. Amplify your impact. Enter the 34th National Banksia Awards. If not now, when? If not you, who?

“For humanity to survive, we need biodiversity to thrive, and we need system change, not climate change. We also need to respect brave, compelling storytelling about our past, present and future.”

The awards are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the global blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. There are 15 award categories, including two new categories, the First Nations Leading a Sustainable Future Award and the Sustainable Leadership in the eCommerce & reCommerce Industry Award. The winner of each category vies for the Banksia Gold Award that recognises ‘the best of the best’ in sustainable development.

Entries for the 34th National Banksia Sustainability Awards will close on 13 December 2022 at 5pm AEDT, with the national winners announced at a must-attend gala awards ceremony in March 2023.

For more information about the awards, including how to enter, visit the Banksia Foundation website.