The 34th National Banksia Sustainability Awards

Positive Change Inspires Action

The Banksia Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that celebrates the power of social and environmental impact, through community engagement and sustainable business practices. Proudly supported by L’Oréal Australia, the Foundation believes that positive change inspires action, and its prestigious Annual Awards highlight outstanding, innovative leadership across Australia.

L’Oréal congratulates Alex Dekker - Alex Makes Meals - on winning the Youth Changemakers Award at the 34th National Banksia Sustainability Awards. Alex commenced Alex Makes Meals as a University student during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020. He couldn’t visit his immunocompromised parents, or his sister who was working at a hospital. Sensing his sister’s distress, Alex decided to make a meal for her and her workmates - his scrumptious lasagna was a hit, so Alex kept on cooking! No longer just a one-man operation now, Alex Makes Meals is a movement driven by dedicated volunteers and your generous monthly donations. Based in Victoria, the commendable team cook and deliver free meals to community members facing food insecurity, including people experiencing homelessness, disadvantaged youth, and parents supporting young children – currently 3,000+ meals per week.

We are also delighted to acknowledge finalists Climate Wise Agriculture (NSW), and Farmers Pick (VIC) for their equally incredible work.