Edstart Achievement Award

Recently, Year 12 student Chaitanya (Cherry) A was selected as the 2023 winner of the Edstart Achievement Award in the Sustainability and Environment Category. This national award aims to recognise students who have demonstrated talent, dedication and persistent effort in a range of different categories.

Cherry has spent the last four years researching sustainable solutions to growing problems surrounding water quality and quantity. Through several projects, she has explored ‘Circular Water Management’ for water conservation and the efficacy of natural purification systems including wetlands and biowaste products.

Cherry has shared her research with industry professionals and the general public through a published research paper, a national short film, several YouTube videos and a national conference presentation at the 2021 Hydrology & Water Resources Symposium (HWRS) hosted by Engineers Australia. In addition to winning the Edstart Achievement Award, Cherry was one of four state finalists in the 7NEWS Young Achiever Award which aims to recognise the outstanding and sustained contributions of young people under the age of 30.

Cherry reflects: "It has been a privilege to share my passion for water sustainability with like-minded individuals whilst also learning from other talented young people. These awards are a great way to recognise this generation's hard work, whilst promoting innovation and inspiring the changemakers of tomorrow. I feel honoured to be 1 of 12 national winners and I look forward to continuing my research in the future."

The school leadership and community congratulate Cherry on this wonderful achievement and look forward to seeing what she does next!