Alpine Valley Getaways Named Winner of the STRive 2026 Sustainability & Community Impact Award
We’re incredibly proud to share that Alpine Valley Getaways has been named the winner of the Sustainability & Community Impact Award at the STRive Awards 2026.
As a locally owned business managing close to 100 holiday homes across Bright, Harrietville, Porepunkah, Wandiligong and surrounds, this recognition means a great deal to our team. Not because sustainability has been a recent focus, but because it acknowledges years of work embedding better choices into the way we operate every day.
Sustainability Has Never Been an Add-On
For many businesses, sustainability can feel like a separate initiative. For us, it’s become part of how we make decisions.
Over the years, we’ve intentionally moved away from traditional guest amenities and cleaning products in favour of Australian-made, low-tox, environmentally conscious alternatives that are better for both people and the planet.
Today, every property in our portfolio benefits from a carefully selected range of products and partnerships, including:
- Vivus Green & For All biodegradable cleaning and laundry products
- Dindi Naturals bathroom amenities made with native Australian ingredients
- About A Dog 100% recycled paper products that help support animal shelters
- Honeybird organic compostable coffee pods
- Fair Trade tea, coffee and sugar
- Reusable Keep Cups available throughout our properties
These aren’t upgrades reserved for a handful of premium homes. They’re our standard across the entire portfolio.
Creating Better Guest Experiences
One of the things we’re most proud of is proving that sustainability and exceptional guest experiences can go hand in hand.
Guests shouldn’t have to choose between comfort and conscious travel.
By providing high-quality products that are gentle on the environment while maintaining the standards guests expect from a premium holiday stay, we’ve shown that sustainable choices can actually enhance the guest experience.
Whether it’s enjoying locally sourced products, reducing single-use waste during a stay, or knowing their accommodation provider is actively working to minimise environmental impact, guests tell us these details matter.
Supporting Local Businesses and Communities
Sustainability extends well beyond the products we place inside our homes.
As a business born and raised in the Victorian High Country, we are passionate about supporting the local community that supports us.
We actively prioritise Australian-owned suppliers, regional businesses and local service providers wherever possible. We sponsor local events, support community initiatives, contribute to tourism projects and work alongside organisations helping to strengthen our region’s visitor economy.
We also contribute to tree planting projects across Victoria through our partnership with 15 Trees, ensuring every booking contributes to broader environmental outcomes.
Showing What’s Possible in Short-Term Rentals
Managing nearly 100 holiday homes gives us a unique opportunity to influence change at scale.
One of the most rewarding parts of our sustainability journey has been demonstrating that environmentally responsible practices can be implemented successfully across a large accommodation portfolio without compromising operational efficiency, owner returns or guest satisfaction.
We believe sustainability should be accessible, practical and achievable for businesses of all sizes.
If we can implement these initiatives across almost 100 homes, it shows what’s possible for the wider holiday rental industry.
Looking Ahead
While we’re incredibly grateful for this award, we see it as encouragement rather than a finish line.
There is always more we can do.
We’ll continue exploring better products, reducing waste, supporting local businesses, investing in our community and finding meaningful ways to minimise our environmental footprint while delivering exceptional guest experiences.
To our owners, guests, suppliers, local partners and team members — thank you for being part of this journey.
This award belongs to all of us.
Together, we’re helping create a more sustainable future for tourism in Victoria’s High Country.
Because at Alpine Valley Getaways, sustainability isn’t a trend. It’s simply the way we do business.
