Parkes Shire Council has proudly claimed the prestigious 2024 Overall Tidy Towns Award at the Keep Australia Beautiful NSW (KAB NSW) Tidy Towns Awards, announced on 2 November 2024 at a ceremony hosted by 2023 winner Bathurst. Recognised for our commitment to sustainability and community spirit, Parkes Shire Council will now represent NSW at the Australian Tidy Towns Awards in Beechworth, Victoria, in May 2025.
KAB NSW has been running the Tidy Towns program since 1981 which celebrates, recognises and rewards projects that reduce litter, minimise waste, encourage recycling, promote heritage and culture, biodiversity, and waterways protection, celebrate community spirit and many other environmental areas.
In addition to the Overall Tidy Towns Award, Parkes received top honours in the Liveable Towns, Biodiversity Conservation, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, and Community Spirit and Inclusion categories.
- Galing Gindhay Water Play– Liveable Town Award Population Category C Joint Winner - This inclusive space combines water play, adventure elements, and shaded seating, making it enjoyable for all ages. The project integrates Wiradjuri cultural knowledge and highlights the local water story through design and storytelling.
- Lake Endeavour Places To Swim Project - Liveable Town Award Population Category C Joint Winner - Lake Endeavour was transformed into the first developed natural water location for recreational use in the Parkes Shire. The installation of new recreational infrastructure encourages people to get active in, on and around Lake Endeavour - from swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding, to fishing, walking and relaxing by the water.
- Waders and Woodlands: Parkes Wetlands – Biodiversity Conservation Award Population Category C Winner - Parkes Shire Council has rehabilitated 25 hectares into a thriving wetland ecosystem, supporting native flora and fauna. The wetlands serve as an essential habitat for migratory and threatened bird species and feature more than 3,000 native plants and macrophytes. This site has already attracted a range of bird species, marking significant ecological restoration and fulfilling a critical community desire for accessible green spaces.
- Raw Water Storage Lagoon (RWSL) – Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation Award Population Category C Winner - The RWSL is a key water security project, storing and managing water using solar energy and gravity. It ensures reliable water supply for the Shire while reducing CO2 emissions by over 900 tons annually.
- Homegrown Parkes Community Events –Community Spirit and Inclusion Award Population Category C Winner - Homegrown Parkes is a free, community-driven event that brings together people of all ages to celebrate local food, art, and sustainability. With various activities and performances, it fosters community engagement and promotes sustainable living.
Deputy Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Marg Applebee, expressed her pride in Council's achievement.
"This award demonstrates the hard work and vision of everyone in the Parkes Shire. It reflects our community's shared commitment to sustainability and resilience, from Council initiatives to the dedication of individuals, businesses, and local organisations. We are proud to bring this recognition back to the Parkes Shire and are excited to represent NSW at the national level," Cr Applebee said.
"It was a privilege to attend the awards on behalf of Parkes Shire Council and be among communities that share a passion for innovation and dedication to sustainable practices. The initiatives from this year's finalists are an inspiration, and we commend each of them for their dedication. Their efforts drive us all to aim higher and create a lasting positive impact on our regions," she added.
Cr Bill Jayet also shared his enthusiasm, after attending the ceremony alongside Cr Applebee.
"This award is a proud moment for the Parkes Shire, as it acknowledges all the hard work and the forward-thinking approach of our Council teams, community groups, and residents. Each project, no matter how big or small, has contributed to this achievement. We look forward to continuing our journey toward sustainability and setting new standards for environmental care and community engagement," Cr Jayet said.
KAB NSW Tidy Towns Assessor Doug MacDonald praised Parkes, saying, "Parkes has demonstrated that it has taken sustainability seriously for many years, exemplified by their successful implementation of resilience projects and their recent focus on ecotourism, planned growth, and economic development."
KAB NSW CEO Val Southam said that "the Tidy Towns Awards inspire communities and councils across NSW to make a genuine and lasting contribution to their area through partnerships between local authorities, businesses, community groups, schools, and individuals. The commitment of the councils, organisations and individuals who entered is evident in the calibre of the entries received this year and I would like to congratulate this year's winners and finalists and everyone that entered," Ms Southam said.
