ST MACARTAN’S Parish Primary School has won a top honour at the 2026 ResourceSmart Schools Awards.
Community volunteer David Whillas was recognised for his outstanding contribution to sustainability education, winning the Volunteer of the Year category.
The ceremony was held at Melbourne Cricket Ground on 11 June and recognised the achievements of Victorian schools.
Whillas has become a familiar face in the school’s garden and volunteers his time each week teaching students practical gardening, composting, and sustainable growing techniques.
He first became involved with the school prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and has helped transform its gardening practices by overhauling organic waste systems and revitalising vegetable and beneficial gardens.
The judges of the competition praised the lasting impact of his work.
“David’s contribution has changed practices, culture and learning outcomes for years to come,” said the judges.
Whillas’ efforts have significantly reduced waste sent to landfill, eliminated the need for store-bought fertilisers and increased food production, while fostering a strong culture of sustainability among students and staff.
Sustainability Victoria CEO Matt Genever congratulated Whillas for the impact he’s made at the school.
“David has shown the powerful role volunteers play in strengthening school sustainability,” said Genever.
This year marked the 17th year of Sustainability Victoria hosting the ResourceSmart Schools Awards. They were hosted by TV personality Dirt Girl and were held under the theme “Our sustainable community”.
There were 29 schools competing for an award, with 11 taking home a prize.
ResourceSmart Schools is a free Victorian government initiative that helps schools reduce waste, save energy and water, promote biodiversity, and take action on climate change.
Since the program began in 2008, more than 1,600 Victorian schools have participated, planting over 5.1 million trees and diverting 170,000 cubic metres of waste from landfill. They have saved over $68m through reduced energy, waste, and water costs and avoided over 110,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
The 2026 awards were supported by sponsors including CDS Vic, Bank First, Department of Education, RMIT, and Premier Waste.
First published in the Mornington News – 30 June 2026
