News.com.au Green Awards
AUSTRALIA'S everyday heroes making a difference to the environment

After being swamped with nominations, NEWS.com.au is proud to announce the finalists of the 2008 Green Awards.

Congratulations ... Bill Holland wins the major category for his solar power. (pictured on the left) and the junior finalists include the three teenage Wadlow children– Alastair, Freya and Imogen – (pictured on the right) who set up their organisation Planet Patrol four years ago to help spread the green message to thousands of young people. (Credit News.com.au)

Pittwater High School Solar Power Station was officially opened on the 14th March 2008 - Hundreds were present including students, parents, teachers, politicians and media.

Mrs Holland (pictured on the left) while listening to her son sharing his story and motivations. Greg Tingle, (pictured on the right) former Pittwater High School Student and director of Media Man Australia. (Photos: Patricia Feijoo)

Green hero a solar powerhouse (Article from News.com.au)

A father-of-five has been named as NEWS.com.au's 2008 Green Hero for his efforts turning his local high school into a green power station.

Bill Holland was one of more than 500 Australians across 10 categories nominated by readers of NEWS.com.au for the inaugural Green Awards – or the “Greenies”.

Dr Holland, 47, beat an impressive field to the major prize after first converting his home to solar power and then setting his sights on Pittwater High School on Sydney’s northern beaches.

See all the winners in our virtual awards ceremony

The school now has more than 70 panels installed through Dr Holland’s leadership, know-how and community fundraising and is even on the way to returning power to the local grid.

The Greenies are designed to recognise and celebrate everyday Australians tackling the environmental challenges facing our country and the world through clever, adaptable innovations.

The judges were impressed by Dr Holland’s attitude for change by “just doing it” and for showing the way for potentially thousands of schools across Australia.

“I’m really pleased,” he said of his win. “Anything that draws attention to solar is a great thing. I’ve got a real vision to get schools onto solar power – it’s just common sense.”

Dr Holland said he hoped big Australian companies would eventually offset their carbon emissions by helping to convert schools to solar.

In the other major award category, three young teenagers - Alastair, 15, and 13-year-old twins Freya, and Imogen Wadlow - picked up the Junior Hero award for their efforts at rallying young people in their area after setting up the Planet Patrol activist website.

In a tough category to judge, the kids edged ahead with the incredible dedication and ability to motivate others since starting their mission four years ago.

Among their many projects they have organised bushland restoration in their local area, collected used light bulbs, lobbied politicians and exhibited overseas.

Mum Erika Wadlow said it was not always the “coolest” thing being known as the green eco-warriors and the recognition would help her children’s efforts.

“It’s going to give them the boost they need,” Mrs Wadlow said. “I think it’s just marvellous.”

The winners were announced today in an online video special featuring guests Ian Kiernan, Deni Hines, Jonathan Pease and Axle Whitehead.

NEWS.com.au editor David Higgins congratulated all who took part.

“From over 500 nominations to 36 finalists across all states of Australia, we have chosen 11 strong Greenies who have clearly demonstrated their dedication to our environment,” Mr Higgins said.

“They are examples of truly environmentally committed Australians and they have proven that their simple efforts can make huge differences in our community.”

Along with Mr Higgins, the winners were chosen by a panel of judges comprising:
- Climate change expert, Professor Barry Brook, from the University of Adelaide
- Environmental experts from the CSIRO
- NEWS.com.au readers