Communities around Western Australia are celebrating following the announcement of the winners in the Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities 2020 Awards.
This year's overall State winner is Narrogin. The Wheatbelt community 192 kilometres south-east of Perth was a finalist in four categories and was praised by judges for the huge amount of work that has gone into improving the appearance and accessibility of the town for all community members.
The Shire has worked with community groups and residents to support initiatives such as the Gnarojin Community Garden and the sensory garden. The gardens allow community members, particularly those living with dementia, to engage in food production activities and enjoy a café experience. Colourful new bin surrounds throughout the town have resulted in less litter on the ground and community action has also assisted in litter pick-ups.
The development of bike paths, a collaborative BMX site, and restoration of the pavilion ensure Narrogin remains a beautiful place to live and visit.
There were eight categories in the Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities 2020 Awards, including a new Community Action COVID Award to recognise initiatives taken to care for and connect community members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Corrigin was the winner, with the Corrigin Community Resource Centre (CRC) hosting a photography project on social media to help keep people connected during the recent lockdown period. The community was encouraged to email the CRC one image that best captured their families staying at home. The tag line for the project was "Together We're Stronger". Banners of those pictures now adorn the main street.
Other winners included Bridget Mason from Albany, this year's Young Legend. Bridget has volunteered more than 250 hours teaching people with disability how to surf, as well as assisting with Albany's Breakfast in the Park initiative.
A link to the winners can be found on the Tidy Towns webpage. As well as a small cash prize, each community also receives signage to display in their town, to let visitors know about the win and also to serve as a reminder to members of that community about the recognition their town has earned.
As stated by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Regional communities have faced considerable challenges in 2020 and Tidy Towns is an opportunity to celebrate some of the fantastic sustainable achievements that have taken place despite those difficulties.
"The passion and drive of regional Western Australians is what makes communities unique and sustainable, and I congratulate all entrants, finalists and winners on setting such a fine example.
"Many Western Australians have been wandering out yonder this year, meaning the whole State has benefitted from the efforts of people in our regional communities in making our regional centres even nicer places to visit."
