georgia - our youngest young environmental achiever

I was delighted to be able to present the Ken McIntosh Young Environmental Achiever of the Year award to Dandenong Ranges local, Georgia Grimmer, as part of the Australia Day Awards.


Georgia’s passion for the environment at such a
young age is inspiring, our future’s looking bright
 with future leaders like Georgia.
Congratulations Georgia!

Georgia, our youngest ever recipient at 10 years old, is a student at The Patch Primary and for the past five years has been committed to improving the school’s wildlife habitat. Georgia led a team of Year 4 students in restoring a very neglected fern gully on the school’s boundary.

She’s taken the lead in weed removal and control, indigenous plantings and rebuilding wildlife habitat.

It has not been an individual effort, Georgia has brought many other students on the journey to improve the local environment and mobilised them with her knowledge, enthusiasm, pride and energy.

What strikes me about Georgia is her ability to inspire and involve people of all ages and backgrounds and already she demonstrates leadership skills, an inclusive approach and a desire to make a difference. 

Georgia’s passion for the environment at such a young age is inspiring, our future’s looking bright with future leaders like Georgia. Congratulations Georgia!

Congratulations to all our Australia Day award recipients:

Citizen of the Year – Tanya de Visser
Young Citizen of the Year – Lily Belle Hellicar
Community Group of the Year – Healesville Interchurch Community Care
Environmental Achiever of the Year – David and Jean Edwards
Ken McIntosh Young Environmental Achiever of the Year – Georgia Grimmer
Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement – Phyllis Dixon
Ian de la Rue Award for Community Leadership – Norman Orr
Certificates of Recognition – Judy Thornburn and Michael Halligan

The Ken McIntosh Young Environmental Achiever of the Year award honours the contribution of Ken McIntosh, who was a driving force in environmental and conservation issues in the Yarra Ranges.