Blacktown City Council has been hailed as a leader in environmental action after being named 'Overall Sustainable Cities Winner' at the Keep Australia Beautiful NSW awards this month.
Council's improvement to the environment and leadership of community participation ensured it was named the winner ahead of councils from across NSW.
In addition to the top award, Council won the communication and engagement category for a project promoting best practice recycling and waste management to people living in apartments and units.
Council also won the heritage and culture category for the Makers Space project with First Nations artist Tarni Eastwood at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting was delighted the efforts were recognised.
"Our team is leading the way on environmental sustainability because we recognise it's not just a local issue, it's a global one," he said.
"We are doing all we can to ensure people can continue to enjoy the natural beauty we have here because our community has told us how much they value it."
Mayor Bunting said the win was a credit to the Blacktown City community given the teamwork between Council and local groups who also entered the awards.
Caddies Creek Public School at Glenwood was highly commended in the Young Legends category for its work preventing mud and debris entering a stormwater drain.
Multicultural womens group Communities in Fellowship Together, also based in Blacktown City, was a finalist in waterways protection.
Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Sustainable Cities Assessor Peter Clark said the collaborative approach between Council and the community was a driving force for success.
"Blacktown City Council's dedication to sustainability serves as an inspiring model for cities everywhere," he said.
The Keep Australia Beautiful Awards have recognised leading councils since 1994.
