MEDIA RELEASE
1 March 2024
We are delighted to announce the Sustainable Business and Organisation Categories winners as part of the Sustainable Living Festival Business and Community Awards.
This event, hosted by Tamar NRM, celebrated the remarkable efforts of the businesses and organisations dedicated to fostering sustainability and environmental stewardship within Tasmania.
The winners were announced at a special awards night on Friday, the 1st of March, at the Tramsheds in Launceston, with special guest ABC's War on Waste presenter Craig Reucassel.
The theme of this year's event focused on "going circular" to showcase circular economy practices in our region and promote the principles of circularity to the community. The awards night is followed by a full day of activities and workshops at the Sustainable Living Festival on Saturday, 2nd of March from 10 am – 4 pm.
The judges recognised the following outstanding recipients:
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS CATEGORY:Â
Winner - Florage:Â
Florage has emerged as a beacon of sustainability within the floristry industry since the new ownership took over in May 2022. Through innovative practices such as designing out material waste and building circular supply chains with local growers and sustainable businesses, Florage has significantly reduced its environmental footprint. By replacing PVC-based plastic cellophane with hessian and eliminating floral foam equivalent to 18,000 plastic bags from their products, Florage is leading the charge towards a sustainable florist industry in Tasmania. The judges were particularly impressed by their courage to take direct action and provide a blueprint for others to follow, catalysing measurable, rapid change.Â
Highly Recommended - The Redress Hub:Â
The Redress Hub has been highly commended for its unwavering commitment to creating a sustainable fashion ecosystem. By promoting circular economy principles and fostering community engagement through initiatives like Repair Cafes and the ReDressed: ReFashion Competition and Show, The Redress Hub is actively diverting textiles from landfills and promoting responsible consumption.Â
Highly Commended - Golden Brown Composting:Â
Golden Brown Composting has been recognised for its significant contribution to reducing landfill waste by diverting nearly 37 tonnes of organic material and transforming it into nutrient-rich compost for the community. Their collaborative efforts with local establishments demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and the development of a circular economy in Tasmania.Â
SUSTAINABLE ORGANISATION CATEGORY:Â
Winner - The Resource Work Cooperative:Â
The Resource Work Cooperative has been awarded for its extensive range of sustainable activities and its commitment to providing sustainable employment opportunities. Through initiatives such as timber reclamation and e-waste recovery, the Cooperative has demonstrated a clear focus on reuse and refurbishment, contributing to a more sustainable future for Tasmania.Â
Highly Commended - St Mary's Repurposing and Upcycling:Â
St Mary's Repurposing and Upcycling has been highly commended for its long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. By creating new, useful products from discarded materials and offering workshops and educational initiatives, St Mary's Repurposing and Upcycling has become a focal point for sustainability education and positive environmental impact for its local community.Â
We congratulate these remarkable organisations that exemplify the spirit of sustainability and environmental responsibility and express our gratitude for their dedication to creating a better, more sustainable future for Tasmania and beyond.
The Sustainable Living Festival and Awards is an initiative of Tamar NRM’s Sustainable Community Working Group made up of members from Tamar NRM, Transition Tamar, Plastic Free Launceston, City of Launceston, West Tamar Council, George Town Council and the Launceston Chamber of Commerce.
Media Contact:
Sandy Astill
Festival Coordinator 
0412 240 190
Image caption: Celebrating the sustainable award finalists with Craig Reucassel