AusTriathlon has announced a new strategic partnership with leading medal supplier, Badges and Medals, as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Under the partnership, podium medals awarded at AusTriathlon-owned events, will be made from 100% recycled metal. Each medal will help prevent the equivalent of two plastic bottles from entering the ocean, with packaging shifting to recyclable paper and all shipments carbon offset through Amazon reforestation initiatives.
In addition, major awards at both State and National levels will now utilise wooden trophies sourced from FSC-certified forests. These forests are managed with strict standards that protect biodiversity, water sources, and ecosystems, while also ensuring workers’ rights, Indigenous land rights, and long-term economic viability are upheld.
This partnership supports the objectives of the AusTriathlon Environmental Sustainability Plan 2025–2028, which outlines initiatives to reduce plastic use, lower carbon emissions, promote responsible sourcing, and better prepare the organisation for future environmental challenges.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to recognising the people who make triathlon what it is—from dedicated volunteers and community leaders to outstanding athletes,” said Tim Harradine, CEO of AusTriathlon. “While a small step, it’s a meaningful one – aligning how we acknowledge contribution across the sport with more sustainable practices. It supports the broader intent of our Environmental Sustainability Plan and shows that even modest changes can lead to positive impact.”
Hamish Larsen, CEO of Badges and Medals, praised AusTriathlon’s leadership in the space:
“AusTriathlon is showing the world that it’s possible to recognise performances while taking meaningful steps toward making events more sustainable. It’s encouraging to see a large organisation taking action to reduce environmental impact in practical ways.”
ABOUT BADGES AND MEDALS: Badges And Medals is on a mission to revolutionise the medal industry using their three-step ‘Create, Make, Celebrate’ methodology. In ‘Create’, they draw on their 50 years of experience and world-leading design studio to create medals that get noticed. Through ‘Make’, they combine ethical manufacturing with clear and regular updates, so events know exactly where their order stands. In ‘Celebrate’, they build partnerships that work for everyone, supporting events with custom sustainability programmes and marketing to boost their impact. For more information, visit www.badgesandmedals
