Netflix and Screen Australia Fund First-of-its-Kind Sustainability Supervisor Training Program in Australia – Sustainable Screens Australia to deliver comprehensive training to prepare the next generation of sustainability leaders for the Australian screen industry.
Sustainable Screens Australia (SSA) announces the launch of Australia’s first Sustainability Supervisor training program, funded by Netflix and Screen Australia. This pioneering initiative aims to address the growing need for dedicated sustainability expertise in film and television production across the country.
The program, commencing in April 2025, will train six screen industry professionals to take on the role of Sustainability Supervisor – a Head of Department level position designed to implement sustainable practices throughout all stages of production.
“There has been no formal training in Australia for this role until now,”
– said Maree Cochrane, Executive Director of SSA.
“These six scholarships will equip participants in positions of influence with the knowledge, skills and connections to drive meaningful environmental change in our industry”.
The comprehensive curriculum combines two in-person weekend retreats with weekly online workshops and a paid placement. Topics include first nations perspectives, climate change & biodiversity, systems thinking & solutions, politics, people & the philosophy of habit change, advocating for the work, the power of data and waste as a resource.
Participants will be selected through a detailed application process open to Australian screen professionals nationally, with experience as a Head of Department or Supervisor, or with at least five years of coordination experience in the screen industry. Applications from people with diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged.
Leading the program’s development are Sara Rickards, a peer-reviewed author in transformative education and industry professional Maree Cochrane, who combined bring 25 years of sustainability, education and systems change experience to the program. The program also features First Nations Advisory from Nidala Barker, a musician and custodianship educator. Guest speakers include Screen Well, Groupwork Centre and production sustainability expert Heidi May.
The initiative builds on a successful pilot program conducted in Wales, with key collaborators Tilly and Ellie Ashton from Severn Screen/Earth to Action sharing their expertise.
The program runs from April to August 2025. Applications are open now and close Sunday 9 March. You can learn more about the program on SSA’s website or by attending a webinar on Wednesday 5th March, 10-11am or Thursday 6th March, 7:30-8:30pm.
About Sustainable Screens Australia
Sustainable Screens Australia (SSA) is dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability within the Australian screen industry through education, resources, and industry collaboration.
Media Release – Nixco
TV Central Netflix content HERE
Netflix and Screen Australia Fund First-of-its-Kind Sustainability Supervisor Training Program in Australia
