BESI Annual Report 2025: From Vision to Action

Bags for Earth & Science Inc. (BESI) is proud to announce the release of its first Annual Report, marking an inspiring year of impact, growth, and community collaboration.

Founded in July 2024, BESI was established with a clear mission — to advance science education, foster philanthropy, and promote environmental sustainability through innovative school programs and community engagement. In our inaugural year, that mission moved from vision to action.

Highlights from Our First Year

• $23,000 raised in net funds, with $18,446 donated to the RMIT University School of Health and Biomedical Sciences to support chronic disease research.

• Successful launch events, including a sold-out Inaugural Gala at Pullman Albert Park attended by 150 guests, featuring keynote speakers Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos and Professor Catherine Itsiopoulos.

• A heartfelt Valentine’s Day “Heart Tree” fundraiser, which raised over $4,100 in donations and dedications honouring loved ones affected by cancer.

Building the Future: Heart Tree Secondary School Challenge

In partnership with Melbourne Girls College (MGC) in Richmond, BESI is preparing to launch the Heart Tree Secondary School Challenge — an innovative sustainability and philanthropy pilot for secondary students.

Approved by the MGC School Council for launch in March 2026, the three-day interhouse event will challenge students to:

• Take meaningful environmental action through tree planting;

• Engage in acts of giving and community service; and

• Compete for the Heart Tree Award, with the winning house planting a Cercis Canadensis (Forest Pansy) on school grounds.

Every participant from the winning House will take home a BESI cotton tote — a symbol of our belief that small actions create big ripples.

Welcoming Maria Makris

BESI proudly welcomed Maria Makris, a former Humanities Manager at Melbourne Girls College, as School Liaison Officer on the Committee. Together with founding member Betty Coracas, Maria played a pivotal role in designing the Heart Tree Challenge concept, helping bridge BESI’s education, science, and sustainability goals.

Looking Ahead

The year ahead will see BESI expand the Heart Tree Challenge to more Victorian schools, growing a movement that connects science, sustainability, and kindness.

As President Leo A. Eliades said, “Together, we are building a legacy of science, generosity, and sustainability — one bag, one mind, one healthier planet.”

Read the Full Report

You can explore the complete Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2025 here.