GoodWe Australia, a leading solar product manufacturer, concluded its second “EcoSmart Kids” educational program with a vibrant championship awards event at the Melbourne Home Show on 23rd August. The event marked the culmination of months of dedicated efforts to engage and inspire primary school children across Victoria to learn about climate change, renewable energy, and helping the environment, followed by a creative competition. This initiative is an extension of the ongoing EcoSmart Tour, with GoodWe touring the world to reach a diverse audience looking to learn about and benefit from GoodWe’s renewable energy solutions.
This year, EcoSmart Kids doubled in scale, reaching nearly 2000 children from Grades 2-6 across six schools covering regional and metropolitan Victoria. The school visits comprised of interactive workshops and followed up by a State-wide competition for the children to enter. A new highlight this year included collaborative content and contributions from the Great Barrier Reef Legacy team, delivering awareness about the importance of protecting one of the largest and most complex natural systems on Earth. Additional support and services from Energy Matters and Exhibitions and Events Australia played a key role in ensuring the program’s success and broadening its reach.
The awards event, held at the Melbourne Home Show, brought together the top creative minds from schools across the state and hosted by TV personality and interior design expert, James Treble. Children were encouraged to submit competition entries that promoted positive environmental messages through a medium of their choice—be it art, music, writing, or innovative design. The judges, including representatives from GoodWe, Energy Matters, the Melbourne Home Show and Great Barrier Reef Legacy, were impressed by the ingenuity and passion displayed by the young participants.
Niva from Courtenay Gardens Primary School, was crowned Champion in the Grade 2-4 category for her diorama model that identified and proposed solutions to pollution. Violetta from St. Michael’s Grammar School, was also awarded Champion in the Grade 5-6 category with her Eco-Home model that included solar and lights, and a working wind turbine. Both Niva and Violetta received trophies and prize packs valued at $2,000 each, while all remaining finalists were awarded certificates and prize packs worth $500 each.
Dean Williamson, GoodWe Country Manager commented:
“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.”
With the 2024 EcoSmart Kids program now successfully concluded, GoodWe Australia is already planning for the next edition, aiming to reach even more children, both around Australia and globally, and expand its content to further inspire the next generation of eco-conscious leaders.
For more information on the EcoSmart Kids program, please visit www.ecosmartkids.com.au
