GoodWe Australia, a leading solar product manufacturer, concluded its 2024 ‘EcoSmart Kids’ program with a championship awards event. The event took place at the Melbourne Home Show on 23rd August, marking the culmination of months of dedicated efforts. The program aimed to engage and inspire primary school children across Victoria. It focused on teaching them about climate change, renewable energy, and environmental protection.
The expansion of the program
This year, the ‘EcoSmart Kids’ program doubled in scale, reaching nearly 2,000 children from Grades 2 to 6 across six schools. These schools were located in both regional and metropolitan Victoria. The program included interactive workshops and a State-wide creative competition. A new highlight this year was the involvement of the Great Barrier Reef Legacy team. They delivered valuable insights on the importance of protecting one of Earth’s largest and most complex natural systems.
Energy Matters and Exhibitions and Events Australia provided crucial support. Their contributions ensured the program’s success and expanded its reach.
Celebrating creativity and innovation at the awards event
The awards event at the Melbourne Home Show brought together the top creative minds from schools across the state. Hosted by TV personality and interior design expert, James Treble, the event showcased the children’s innovative ideas. Participants were encouraged to submit entries that promoted positive environmental messages through art, music, writing, or innovative design. Judges from GoodWe, Energy Matters, the Melbourne Home Show, and Great Barrier Reef Legacy praised the ingenuity and passion displayed by the young participants.
Recognising the winners
Niva from Courtenay Gardens Primary School won the Grade 2-4 category with a diorama model addressing pollution and its solutions. Violetta from St. Michael’s Grammar School won the Grade 5-6 category with an Eco-Home model featuring solar lights and a working wind turbine. Both winners received trophies and prize packs valued at $2,000 each. All other finalists were awarded certificates and prize packs worth $500 each.
Reflections from GoodWe and Great Barrier Reef Legacy
Dean Williamson, GoodWe Country Manager, expressed his pride in the participants:
“We couldn’t be prouder of the incredible talent and dedication shown by all the participants in this year’s EcoSmart Kids program. The creativity and awareness these children displayed are a testament to the importance of environmental education. Our collaboration with Great Barrier Reef Legacy allowed us to bring a new dimension to the program, and we are thrilled with the results. We look forward to continuing this journey and expanding the program even further in the future.”
Dr. Dean Miller, Managing Director of Great Barrier Reef Legacy, added:
“The level of understanding and commitment to environmental issues displayed by these young minds is truly inspiring. It has been an honour to contribute to this program, and we are excited to see how these future leaders will continue to champion the cause of environmental conservation.”
Looking ahead
With the 2024 EcoSmart Kids program now successfully concluded, GoodWe Australia is already planning for the next edition. They aim to reach even more children, both across Australia and globally. The program’s content will expand to further inspire the next generation of eco-conscious leaders.
Energy Matters is a proud partner of the GoodWe EcoSmart Kids program and we cannot wait to see the impact the program has on students across Australia and around the world.
For more information on the EcoSmart Kids program, please visit www.ecosmartkids.com.au.
