Waste winners

West Australian public schools have been recognised for creating innovative waste practices and solutions.

Carine Senior High School and Somerly Primary School were named winners in the 2024 WasteSorted Awards in the schools category, while Lynwood Senior High School sustainability program coordinator Kathy Anketell won the waste champion individual award.  

The awards celebrate those making landfill the last resort by avoiding, reusing and recycling waste and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. 

Ms Anketell has been instrumental in the development of student-driven projects and supports the Lynwood Senior High School community in its endeavours to reduce their carbon footprint. 

She said it was wonderful to be recognised in the awards. 

“I was really thrilled to be in the room with so many innovators and those who put in years of work of their amazing projects,” Ms Anketell said. 

“Understanding sustainability concepts is a vital tool for good decision making for students and I support teachers in any way I can.  

“I work hard to reduce the school’s greenhouse emissions and our electricity consumption.” 

Somerly Primary School was recognised for its range of waste management and student education projects, including a Waste Warriors initiative that empowers students to educate their classmatesabout waste sorting, bin emptying, and composting.  

Principal Louise Carroll said she was deeply honoured and thrilled to receive the award.  

“As educators, it is crucial for us to impart the knowledge and skills necessary for our youth to care for their environment and become agents of change for the future,” she said.  

“It is incredibly rewarding to see our students embrace this message and encourage their families to take action to save our planet.” 

Carine Senior High School was awarded for establishing projects to create a long-term change in waste reduction, including an annual fashion swap shop, eco station collection points, and a kitchen garden.