12 December 2025
Joondalup Education Support Centre has claimed the schools category in the 2025 WasteSorted Awards, which recognises outstanding commitment to sustainability and environmental education.
The WasteSorted Awards celebrate Western Australians reducing waste, recovering resources, and supporting a circular economy.
Sandra Bennett is Joondalup Education Support Centre's dedicated environment and sustainability teacher.
Led by dedicated environment and sustainability teacher Sandra Bennett, the waste wise program has been expanded at the school to include a chicken coop, alongside existing worm farms and compost bins. The initiative aims to divert all organic food waste from landfill.
The project has also created positive behaviour change among students, staff, and the wider school community. ‘Chicken bins’, to collect food scraps, are placed in staffrooms and wet areas have raised awareness about waste disposal and encouraged everyone to take part.
Students are actively involved in caring for the chickens and managing the waste systems, helping them develop responsibility, teamwork, and environmental awareness. Their efforts are inspiring sustainable practices both at school and at home.
Mrs Bennett said winning the award reinforces the importance of hands-on sustainability learning for students.
“Authentic sustainability projects like ours inspire students to become future environmental stewards,” she said.
“Seeing their joy as they care for our gardens, orchard and hens has been one of the highlights of my career.”
Learn more about the 2025 WasteSorted Awards on the WasteSorted website.