Community
24 September, 2026
Students to capture sustainability
STUDENTS with a keen eye for photography are encouraged to enter the 2026 ResourceSmart Schools (RSS) student photography competition.
The competition, titled ‘Sustainability through your own Lens,’ is now open for entries from schools that are program members.
The competition encourages students to discover, document and celebrate the species, habitats and natural places that make Victoria unique.
This year’s theme is ‘Backyard Biodiversity – discover your local icons’ and the competition has been timed to coincide with September being Biodiversity Month.
The theme also supports the goals of DEECA’s Biodiversity 2037 plan by giving students the opportunity to learn about and connect with the natural environment and share what they value about their local area.
The competition is open to Victorian schools that are active ResourceSmart Schools or become active before entering, which is free and easy to do via the ResourceSmart Schools website.
Schools enter on behalf of students across three age categories - prep to year four, years five to eight, and years nine to 12.
Winners will be announced on the DEECA website in December 2026.
Winners will receive $200, a framed photo and certificate, and be recognised at the 2027 ResourceSmart Schools Awards ceremony (subject to event confirmation).
The photography competition is one element of the wider RSS program, which supports Victorian schools to embed sustainability across school operations, curriculum and beyond the school gate in their communities, helping reduce resource use and costs while contributing to Victoria’s transition to a circular and climate-resilient economy.
For more information and to enter visit https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/sustainability/sustainability-through-your-own-lens
Entries will close on Friday, October 16.
