The Yarra Community Awards honour the everyday heroes who make outstanding contributions to our community.

Jo’s story

Jo has made an incredible positive impact on environmental sustainability in Yarra through her ShareWaste initiative in Gore Street, Fitzroy. The initiative helps residents of apartments compost their green waste and prevents this waste from going to landfill.

Every three weeks, Jo collects and composts 1.5 cubic metres of green waste on behalf of apartment residents in her area. This work is completely voluntary. It’s a huge task for a single person to take on and Jo’s neighbours have said they are very grateful to Jo for generously volunteering her time.

Not only has Jo saved litres of green waste from going to landfill, but she has also inspired her community to live more sustainability by composting their green waste. 

Congratulations, Jo – and thank you for your ongoing contributions to environmental sustainability in Yarra.

The nominees for Community Initiative of the Year

• Nura Awata – special mention
• Abdulmalik Abdulrahman (Fitzroy Lions Soccer Club)
• Jenny Payne
• Mum's in Yarra
• People of Gertrude St
• Jane Miller and the Railways Gardeners
• Cremorne Community Inc
• St Vincent's Hospital Aged and Community Care team
• Trang Du of Two Square Pegs
• Brotherhood of St Laurence Breakfast Club
• GOKKUSAGI Art and Cultural Group
• Richmond Mix by The Drum Youth Services
• Gustavo Morales

Thanks to all our nominees for your contributions to life in Yarra.

Read more stories of our 2022 Community Awards winners.