Brisbane City Council has unveiled the twelve winners of the 2023 WasteSMART Brisbane Awards at an awards ceremony hosted by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, celebrating those who have gone above and beyond to keep Brisbane, clean, green and sustainable.   

This year there were 290 nominations across nine award categories for individuals, community groups, schools, kindergartens and businesses who are making incredible efforts to minimise waste, create a circular economy and reduce landfill. 

 From closed loop cafes with creative composting solutions, converting bathtubs into worm farms, to clothes swaps, zero waste catering services and new AI waste identification technology, there were many incredible initiatives in the running for a total of twelve awards.

An expert panel including members from Brisbane Sustainability Agency, Containers for Change Queensland, Cleanaway and The University of Queensland judged the 31 finalists this year, with the exception of the WasteSMART People’s Choice Award which was voted on by the public with more than 4,100 votes cast. 

The WasteSMART Brisbane Awards were proudly delivered by Brisbane Sustainability Agency and sponsored by Containers for Change Queensland, Cleanaway and The University of Queensland. 

2023 WasteSMART Award winners and finalists

WasteSMART Councillors’ Choice Award 

WINNER: Queensland Children’s Hospital 

Finalists:  

• Pallara State School 
• Rotary Club of Brisbane Taylor Bridge 
   

WasteSMART Champions Award  

WINNER: The Worm Monger aka Hannah Churton 

Finalists:  

• Sue Moller 
• Eve Tramacchi O’Keeffe 

WasteSMART Community Award sponsored by Containers for Change Queensland   

WINNERS:  
 
OzHarvest <19 members 
Brisbane Tool Library 20+ members 

Finalists:  

• Styling Station Australia 
• Sandgate Bottle & Can Exchange 
• Rocks Community Garden 
• Recycling Hills District (RHD) 

WasteSMART Business Award sponsored by Cleanaway  

WINNERS:  

Howard Smith Wharves (implemented waste-reduction strategies) 
RAIS Industries (waste is core function) 

Highly commended: MYMY 

Finalists:  

• Goodfolk Cafe 
• Vision HQ 
• Finn Biogas 

WasteSMART Early Learning Award    

WINNER: Milestones Early Learning Centre, Everton Park 

Highly commended: Goodstart, Red Hill 

Finalists:  

• Jamboree Community Kindergarten 

WasteSMART Schools Award  

WINNERS: St Laurence’s College’s Urban Farm  
Payne Road State School   

Finalists:  

• Hillbrook Anglican School 

• Balmoral State High School’s Ecomarines 
• Hendra State School 
• The Gap State School Sustainability Club 

WasteSMART Outstanding Award  

WINNER:  Sue Moller 
 

WasteSMART People’s Choice Award sponsored by The University of Queensland   

WINNER: St Laurence’s College’s Urban Farm 

WasteSMART All-Star Award sponsored by Containers for Change Queensland   

WINNER: Save Our Supplies 

Highly Commended: Stationery Aid  

Finalists:  

• eWaste Connection 
• Tarragindi Community Garden 

Read more about the 2023 WasteSMART Brisbane Award winners here. 

We thank our major sponsor Containers for Change Queensland, as well as the University of Queensland and Cleanaway for their support of this year’s awards.

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