Small towns, strong communities shine
Residents in Heywood, Victoria and Black Tank – Apmwarre Homeland in the Northern Territory can hold their heads high after taking out two of the national awards at the recent Keep Australia Beautiful Awards.
Glenelg Shire Mayor, Councillor Karen Stephens, said the profile of Heywood had been lifted by winning Victoria’s Tidiest Town and it was fitting that the community’s efforts had been recognised at a national level.
“On behalf of the Glenelg Shire Councillors and staff, I would like to congratulate the Heywood community who have worked extremely hard since 1982 to beautify their town,” Councillor Stephens said. “I would particularly like to congratulate Joy Benbow and Elaine Evans who have driven the campaign for all those years as well as the Heywood schools, service clubs, Glenelg Services and the entire hardworking Heywood community.”
Councillor Joy Benbow, who attended the awards with a number of Heywood students, said they had learned a lot and had a fantastic weekend.
“Many people commented on the presence of the students, who were excellent ambassadors for the Heywood community,” Councillor Benbow said. “The Environmental Innovation Award recognises the achievements of the Fitzroy River project, the appointment of Environmental Officers at the schools, the recycling efforts of our service clubs and the environmental awareness of local businesses and manufacturing companies in Heywood.”
After being named Northern Territory’s Tidiest Town, Black Tank – Apmwarre Homeland located some 90 kilometres north east of Alice Springs, went on to take out the national Spirit of Australia Award. The priority of its residents is to be masters of their own destiny. Armed with a community plan setting out clear goals and action plans, they are well on their way.
An environmentally conscious community, Black Tank places a strong focus on the regeneration of degraded land, planting native trees and shrubs, as well as reuse and recycling.
This small community has a philosophy of sharing the load so that all residents contribute to its well being and future. Black Tank seeks to create a healthier, alcohol free environment that its young people will want to keep returning to.
Other finalists included Kojonup in Western Australia, Gulargambone in New South Wales, Latrobe in Tasmania and Atherton in Queensland. Mount Gambier, representing South Australia, took out the major national Award.
