Sustainability Leadership/Winner category

Jeff McClintock, Community Garden Coordinator at the University of Tasmania (UTAS), leads with humility, creativity and deep commitment to sustainability. Over four years, he has transformed the university’s Edible Campus program into a thriving and inclusive initiative spanning four campuses. Jeff’s leadership extends beyond the university, influencing local communities through festivals, public speaking and hands-on environmental projects. His ability to authentically engage people and foster connection, wellbeing and climate action exemplifies sustainability leadership in practice.

Jeff McClintock

Impacts and Benefits:

  • The Edible Campus program expanded from one site to over 4000m² of cultivated land across UTAS campuses, including 150+ fruit trees and the production of hundreds of kilograms of produce annually.
  • Over 140 students actively engage in gardening groups, benefiting their physical, social and mental wellbeing. Staff and community members also participate through gardening sessions, composting, events, working bees and teaching.
  • Composting has been embedded into 20+ UTAS kitchenettes, diverting food waste and producing up to 20m³ of compost annually. Staff are empowered through practical, visible sustainability practices.

Leadership and Engagement:

  • Jeff created sustainability-focused events including the award-winning Verandah Music Festival and Gumboot Gala, which engage over 1,000 participants annually and promote eco-friendly practices.
  • He models low-carbon commuting with creative methods such as carpooling, bike riding and even using a penny farthing, raising awareness of emissions reduction and sustainable transport.
  • His leadership style is defined by authenticity, service and empowerment — championing adaptive networks over hierarchy and valuing inclusive, judgement-free community building.

Wider Societal Impact:

  • Coverage in ABC’s Back Roads and endorsement from sustainability advocate Craig Reucassel elevated the visibility of Verandah Music Festival and its sustainability ethos.
  • Participation in public programs, including UTAS’s Children’s University and community arts partnerships, extends his impact across sectors and generations.
  • Community engagement efforts with local journalists turned initial public perception around the Inveresk Community Garden from critical to supportive, influencing broader attitudes toward urban agriculture.
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Sustainability Leadership/Winner category

Jeff McClintock, Community Garden Coordinator at the University of Tasmania (UTAS), leads with humility, creativity and deep commitment to sustainability. Over four years, he has transformed the university’s Edible Campus program into a thriving and inclusive initiative spanning four campuses. Jeff’s leadership extends beyond the university, influencing local communities through festivals, public speaking and hands-on environmental projects. His ability to authentically engage people and foster connection, wellbeing and climate action exemplifies sustainability leadership in practice.

Jeff McClintock

Impacts and Benefits:

  • The Edible Campus program expanded from one site to over 4000m² of cultivated land across UTAS campuses, including 150+ fruit trees and the production of hundreds of kilograms of produce annually.
  • Over 140 students actively engage in gardening groups, benefiting their physical, social and mental wellbeing. Staff and community members also participate through gardening sessions, composting, events, working bees and teaching.
  • Composting has been embedded into 20+ UTAS kitchenettes, diverting food waste and producing up to 20m³ of compost annually. Staff are empowered through practical, visible sustainability practices.

Leadership and Engagement:

  • Jeff created sustainability-focused events including the award-winning Verandah Music Festival and Gumboot Gala, which engage over 1,000 participants annually and promote eco-friendly practices.
  • He models low-carbon commuting with creative methods such as carpooling, bike riding and even using a penny farthing, raising awareness of emissions reduction and sustainable transport.
  • His leadership style is defined by authenticity, service and empowerment — championing adaptive networks over hierarchy and valuing inclusive, judgement-free community building.

Wider Societal Impact:

  • Coverage in ABC’s Back Roads and endorsement from sustainability advocate Craig Reucassel elevated the visibility of Verandah Music Festival and its sustainability ethos.
  • Participation in public programs, including UTAS’s Children’s University and community arts partnerships, extends his impact across sectors and generations.
  • Community engagement efforts with local journalists turned initial public perception around the Inveresk Community Garden from critical to supportive, influencing broader attitudes toward urban agriculture.

Supported by

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Related finalists

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