Viewbank College Sustainability Team
The Viewbank College Sustainability Team is made up of passionate students (Years 7–12) and staff working together to educate and engage our community in sustainability. Our vision is to establish Viewbank College as a hub for sustainable practice, providing support and connection for anyone wanting to further their sustainability journey.
Current projects:
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School-based composting (2025 – current)
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Resource Smart Schools (RSS) program (2024 – current), working towards our first star
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RMIT School of Fashion and Textiles Sustainable Fashion partnership (Year 9 Textiles) (2025 - current)
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Second-hand uniform stalls (2021- current)
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Kitchen garden (2020-current)
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Waste audit planned for 2026 to improve recycling and reduce output
Past achievements:
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Young Persons Plan for the Planet (2021)
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Butterfly Garden (Wellbeing Team)
Accessibility & Inclusion
Viewbank College is a Respectful Relationships lead school, recognised by the Victorian Department of Education for our commitment to equality, respect, and inclusion.
The Slow Festival is designed to be safe, welcoming, and accessible for all.
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Wheelchair & pram access: All festival spaces, including PAC toilets, are fully accessible. A change table will also be available.
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Sensory space: Quiet zones include the Wellbeing Space and ‘low sensory’ sessions in the Film Hub (see Program schedule).
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Seating options: Sofas, armchairs, rugs, and cushions will supplement standard school seating.
If your needs are not being met, please speak with a festival volunteer who will assist you or send your feedback to: slow.festival@viewbank.vic.edu.au
Why is this event needed?
Australia is the second-largest consumer of textiles per capita, behind only the USA. The average Victorian generates 28kg of textile waste annually, yet 95% of clothing sent to landfill could be reused or recycled. In reality, just 7% is recycled.
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Beyond landfill concerns, the global textile industry consumes 98 million tonnes of non-renewable resources every year, including oil for synthetics, fertilisers for cotton, and chemicals for dyes.
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Young people are particularly vulnerable to the culture of fast fashion and overconsumption—but they also represent a powerful force for change.
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Locally, Banyule families show strong interest in sustainability and hands-on learning. While awareness is high, many want practical and impactful actions to take further.
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With strengths in arts, STEAM, and sustainability education, Viewbank College is well placed to respond. The Slow Festival empowers students to lead and collaborate with local schools, businesses, and organisations—positioning Banyule as a leader in community-driven environmental action.