Australia’s premier community based environmental action program, the Australian Tidy Towns Awards 2006, has been won by Collie in Western Australia, making this the third win for WA in the past ten years.
The Collie Tidy Towns committee is a dynamic group of concerned residents of all ages who are committed to providing a sustainable future for Collie. Many of the major projects may not have been implemented in the town without Collie’s strong community spirit and commitment, derived from its tough mining heritage.
Singleton in New South Wales is also a community with links to mining and has been awarded a Highly Commended title.
Maintaining Singleton’s proud heritage is a major priority to the community and is managed on a large scale. Numerous fine examples of the preservation of cultural and historic features are scattered throughout the community.
The winners were announced on 8 April by Federal Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Warren Truss, who was guest of honour at the Tidy Towns Awards presentation dinner. “It was a great honour and privilege to present at the Australian National Tidy Towns,” the Minister said.
“Each of the finalist towns has shown what can be accomplished through strong community partnerships and unwavering community dedication. The efforts and achievements of at least 1,000 rural and regional communities who entered this year, with over 90,000 hardworking volunteers, are an inspiration to the whole of Australia.”
Keep Australia Beautiful National Chairman, Councillor Don Chambers, said that all finalists showed a determination to achieve long term excellence in terms of environment, local economy and community spirit.
“This is why we acknowledge them all as sustainable communities,” Councillor Chambers said. “They are an example to rural, urban and coastal communities across Australia.”
This year’s Australian Tidy Towns Achievement Awards winners are Collie, WA (Australia’s Tidiest Town and Community Action Award); Singleton, NSW (Highly Commended and Spirit of Australia Award); Redcliffe, QLD (Environmental Innovation Award); Yulara/Ayers Rock Resort, NT (Litter and Waste Management Award); Burnie, TAS (Community Local Government Partnership Award); Benalla, VIC (Protection of the Environment Award); Lucindale, SA (Young Legends Award); Ray Thomas, Benalla VIC (Dame Phyllis Frost Award for Outstanding Achievement).
Principal sponsor of the Tidy Towns Awards 2006 was Hungry Jack’s®. Category sponsors included the Department of Transport and Regional Services, Best Western, Veolia Environmental Services/Collex, Australian Food and Grocery Council, Bunnings Warehouse, Coca-Cola Amatil and Lothian Books.
Further details can be found online at www.kab.org.au
