Orange's sustainability projects were in the spotlight recently when judging was held for the annual Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Sustainable Communities - Tidy Towns awards.
The Tidy Towns program recognises projects that reduce litter, minimise waste, encourage recycling, promote heritage and culture, habitat and coastal protection, celebrate community spirit and other environmental areas.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT: FoodCare volunteer coordinator Anne Hopwood shows Tidy Towns assessor Doug McDonald through the facility.
Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Assessor Doug McDonald was in town last week to assess Orange's submissions, which have been entered in four of the 14 award categories.
They are:
- Sustainable Projects Award - Lighting Orange. The installation of 4900 LED street lights throughout Orange which will lower energy use and save Orange City Council hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
- Environmental Communication Award - Orange Sustainable Living Expo run by the Rotary Club of Orange. Raising awareness of simple ways of saving energy and water and reducing waste.
- Community Spirit & Inclusion Award - FoodCare Orange. Providing individuals and families on low incomes access to affordable, fresh food, groceries and household items.
- Schools Environment Achievement Award - Orange Nature Kids program. Providing outdoor activities during the school holidays where children can connect to nature and learn about sustainability.
Mayor Reg Kidd says Orange has enjoyed success in the awards over the past few years, topping the state in 2016 and 2018, and winning two categories in the national award in 2018
"This has been achieved through years of hard work by council staff and residents to make the environment a priority in our community and has resulted in many pioneering projects that show Orange is a real leader in sustainability," he said.
The state winners will be announced at the Sustainable Communities Tidy towns Awards weekend in Murrurundi from November 13 to 15.
The state overall winner has the potential to go on to become a finalist for the national Keep Australia Beautiful Awards.
