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Ever wondered who’s behind all those green initiatives popping up around AWH — like PVC recycling bins, Return & Earn stations or those friendly reminders about what goes where?

That’s the work of our Green Team – a passionate group of staff from across departments who’ve been quietly leading change to make AWH greener. 

Who’s in the Green Team?

The Green Team is made up of staff from all corners of AWH – Theatres, ED, Dental, Volunteer Services and Health & Safety. They volunteer their time to help drive sustainable change across AWH.

The team includes:

• ED: Alice Fitzpatrick, Heidi Turnbull, Tracey Cheshire
• Theatres: Tim Malone, Chloe Proctor, Kate Sutton, Barb Robertson, Isobel Phillips
• Dental: Rebekah Clutterbuck
• Volunteer Services: Sarah Bartsh
• Health & Safety: Bree Nightingale

What they’ve been up to

Since re-forming in November 2024 after a short hiatus (thanks COVID!), the Green Team has hit the ground running with some incredible wins already:

• PVC recycling is now up and running across both Albury and Wodonga campuses.
• Return & Earn bottles are rolling in, turning cans into cash for future Green Team projects.
• Waste education sessions with Cleanaway Daniels and Green Team champions have helped hundreds of staff understand how to reduce waste
• Tracking the data and analysing waste trends to see what’s working (and where we can do better)
• Getting noticed - engaging with AWH’s Executive and Environmental Services teams to put sustainability firmly on the radar.

What’s next?

Big things are on the green agenda for 2026! The team plans to:

• Keep improving recycling and reducing clinical waste
• Roll out Kimguard recycling 
• Expand organics recycling
• Launch an e-waste recycling program for old equipment

Stay tuned for more details!

The “why” behind the work

Ask Alice Fitzpatrick what keeps her motivated, and she’ll tell you it’s about protecting the world her kids will inherit.

“Since becoming a registered nurse in 2013, I’ve always been aware and disgusted by how much waste healthcare produces. For a long time I felt powerless to change it, but having kids motivated and emboldened me to take action in the part of my life where this would be hardest - at work,” Alice said.

“I really believe any action on climate change is better than inaction. The quote ‘sowing seeds for a forest we may never see’ is a lovely thought when everything feels overwhelming!”

Want to get involved? 

The Green Team is always looking for new members and fresh ideas. If you’re passionate about reducing waste, recycling right, or just making small positive changes at work, they’d love to hear from you!

To get involved or find out more, contact green.team@awh.org.au or speak to any of the Green Team members listed above.