Mount Lilydale Mercy College has a proud history of participation in the ResourceSmart Schools program since its inception in 2008. Students, teachers, administrative and grounds staff of our College have been strong advocates and leaders in the environmental and advocacy works as part of the the program.
Our College has contributed to the statewide savings from ResourceSmart Schools of 118,000 tonnes of CO2e greenhouse gas emissions and the diversion of 194,000 cubic metres of waste from landfill. Since the program began, we have planted more than five million trees.
At this year’s awards ceremony, held on Thursday 15 June at the MCG, MLMC was runner-up in two major awards — ResourceSmart School of the Year and Mr Andrew Feher was runner-up in the Secondary School Teacher of the Year.
Although neither award made its way back to MLMC, the entire College community can be justifiably proud of our award nomination in both categories.
The Sustainability Victoria booklet for the awards described Mr Feher’s contribution in inspiring a new generation of environmental professionals as follows:
Andrew’s positive footprint changed the school. He has embedded sustainability in the curriculum, supported green events and purchasing policies, encouraged renewable energy, secured emissions reductions and saved $524,000 on bills.
Andrew’s inspiration also transcends the school gate. He presented green careers options for Vocational Education and Training students, leading to 26 enrolments in natural and physical sciences university courses in 2022.
As a community, there is always more to do in the environmental action space. The challenge is to double-down on our efforts and continue to make the right choices and take the positive actions required to best care for this precious planet that we all share.
In the words of former US President John F Kennedy, from a speech he gave at American University in Washington, DC in June 1963, “... in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal”.
