Agriculture teacher Tim Thompson was awarded Sustainability Victoria’s Teacher of the Year (secondary) at the ResourceSmart School Awards 2019 held at the MCG last Thursday. MLMC was nominated among over 50 Victorian schools for these awards which recognise efforts that drive sustainable action in the community, reduce environmental impact and protect the environment.
The award is the culmination of work carried out in the agricultural education space, particularly around the development of sustainable practices in food production. Several initiatives and new programs over the past five years have spurred the popularity and profile of agriculture and environmental science among students. A more holistic approach to sustainability involving a number of different faculties has also been developed within the college. This increase in activity and engagement has resulted in MLMC being acknowledged as a leader within the local community in agriculture education. The College has earned this enviable position by tapping into major local industries such as wine, horticulture and animal production.
ResourceSmart Schools is a free program offered by Sustainability Victoria to encourage schools to embrace sustainability across the school facilities, community and curriculum, while saving resources and money for the school. The Awards are held to recognise the most innovative and outstanding sustainability programs and initiatives, and reward the efforts of Victorian schools for their leadership and positive contribution. The Awards are Victoria’s largest sustainability awards program for schools.
While the award recognises the efforts of Tim Thompson, he is keen to stress the tireless work of others within the College who have championed the aspirations of MLMC's young agriculturalists. “Without the vital support of faculty leaders, colleagues, maintenance and support staff, Mount Lilydale could not achieve these aims,” he says adding that, “I feel very privileged to have received the support of a number of colleagues, most notably Sally Wingett, whose tireless support of the students and programs in the school has enriched the lives of many.”
