Victorian free range egg farm, Freeranger Eggs has won a sustainability award from the Austrian-based Energy Globe organisation.

The presentation was made in Victoria's Parliament House by the Austrian Consul General and Trade Commisioner, Mr Guido Stock.

The Speaker of the House, The Hon Ken Smith, arranged for the award to be presented in the Parliament building to Anne and Phil Westwood of Freeranger Eggs, Grantville, in South Gippsland.

The International Energy Globe Awards (the World Awards for Sustainability) have been presented annually in Austria since 1999 to recognise projects that 'make careful and economical use of resources and employ alternative energy sources.'

Freeranger Eggs has been established to demonstrate that a commercial farming business can operate without compromising the environmental and ecological values of the land as well as meeting strict animal welfare standards.

The farm was set up as a traditional mixed farm, running sheep and cattle as well as free range hens.

It is being used to showcase sustainable farming principles and provides a practical example of land use which can generate profits as well as good environmental outcomes.

Workshops and practical farm session are held for students, farmers and as an educational tool for others in the community.

What the farm is doing can be easily replicated and an e-book has been developed which has helped many others to set up similar operations in Victoria, in other Australian States and even overseas.
Phil is currently President of the Free Range Egg & Poultry Association of Australia Inc.