Pam Keating legacy award

Pam Keating passed away under tragic circumstances in early 2009, but her significant contribution to the environment and waste management sectors lives on, both through the legacy of her work and foundation of the WMAA Pam Keating Award.

One of Pam’s beliefs was that practical education and information is key to achieving sustainable environmental outcomes. The foundation of her business, Sustainable Learning (now Academy Green), continues to develop individuals in environmental and sustainable waste management practices.

The Pam Keating award is proudly sponsored by Veolia Environmental Services and Sustainability Victoria, where the industry recognises the extraordinary work and achievements made by pioneering innovators in sustainable industries.

Award nominees are called for annually, with the winner announced at the annual Waste Management Association of Australia (WMAA) Christmas Party in Melbourne. The successful recipient receives a trophy acknowledging their achievement, along with a bursary to the value of $1500 for further professional development.

The 2012 winner was Sheridan Blunt, who is the Coordinator of Sustainable Environment Initiatives at Moonee Valley City Council. Sheridan’s success was underpinned by her work in a range of sustainability and urban planning roles over the last 14 years.

Left to right: Travis Keating (Pam’s son and academy green ‘Sustainable Learning’ Business Manager), Sheridan Blunt (2012 Pam Keating award winner) and Cheryl Batagol (Pam’s sister and EPA Victoria Chair).

Some of Sheridan’s successful initiatives and achievements have been:

• Developing a Model for Stormwater Targets, which is now applied by five councils and reflected in a Victorian Government plan.
• Developing Model Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) Guidelines, which are also applied across five councils.
• Developing an iTree Tool, which is used nationally.
• Developing Model Sustainable Public Lighting Guidelines, which are applied in Moonee Valley and at least one other council.
• Contributing to Moonee Valley Council reducing its energy use by 40% and maintaining its water use.
• Contributing to the Moonee Ponds Green Precinct sustainability results - 24% greenhouse savings, 25% water savings, 100% increase in recycling, 3.5% increase in improved habitat.
• Contributing to savings in the Saving in the City - Green Hotels project - 2400 tonnes of waste/year (401 truckloads), 25 megalitres water/year and 24,769 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

The President of the Victorian Branch of the Waste Management Association of Australia, Andrew Race, said that: “The field of applicants this year was very strong; however, Sheridan stood out as a leader in the sustainability industry, which includes conservation, waste management and resource recovery, and has made an outstanding contribution to the industry. We congratulate her on winning this prestigious award.”