BY DI SNEDDON
While Orange may have taken out the top gong at the New South Wales Tidy Towns Awards at the weekend, those representing the region walked away with plenty of recognition.
Singleton was one of four towns named as finalists for the top New South Wales Tidy Town after winning the category D population title. They were up against Coomba Park, Forbes and Orange.
While missing out to Orange, those representing the region were delighted for the wins for Singleton, Upper Hunter and Cessnock and were inspired by projects introduced by regions throughout the state.
“It was a wonderful weekend but the point of difference for our region is that many of the winning and recognised projects were community initiatives while many of the other projects were council or government initiatives, it shows that our local people are really invested in improving where they live,” Singleton Tidy Towns president Lyn MacBain said.
“We are very fortunate to have a strong partnership for our projects with our council.”
Since 1981, the Tidy Towns program has recognised and celebrated outstanding efforts to protect and enhance the environment across NSW communities. From reducing litter and minimising waste, to promoting local heritage, biodiversity, and community spirit, the program highlights the impact of grassroots action and innovative thinking.
Singleton’s Diana Thorning was one of just two people presented with a Local Hero Award, a recognition that came directly after a memorial to former Singleton Tidy Town members, John Martin and Betty Searl, who both passed away in the past 12 months.
Betty was the reason Diana joined Tidy Towns so the recognition was certainly an emotional one for her.
Results featuring our local community are:
Biodiversity and Conservation: Category D Highly commended Birds, Bees and Butterflies Urban Walks by Upper Hunter Landcare Network. Category E Bridges Park Signage Project by Cessnock City Council.
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Highly commended Singleton Council Energy Wise program.
Communication and Engagement: Winner Grow It Know It Share It by Slow Food Singleton.
Community Spirit and Inclusion: Winner Singleton Early Education Art Exhibition by Singleton Heights Preschool for population category D and highly commended for category E to Cessnock Community Garden Association for their community garden. Greta Tidy Towns received a highly commended for their Greta Senior Monthly Morning Tea.
Liveable Towns: Highly commended to Back Pack Pals by Dyson Family Foundation.
Resource Recovery: Highly commended to Cessnock Councils Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy.
Young Legends: Highly commended Singleton Our Community Our Future program by Clontarf Education Program at Singleton High in category D and Category C winner was Upper Hunter Shire Council for their Sustainable Schools Odyssey.
Heritage and Culture: Highly commended in category B was Greta Tidy Towns for their Greta Migrant Camp Photographic Display.
KAB NSW CEO, Val Southam, congratulated all winners and finalists.
“The Tidy Towns Awards continue to inspire regional communities across the state to step up, collaborate and innovate for a more sustainable future. The entries received this year reflect the passion, resilience and ingenuity of local councils, community groups, schools and individuals. I commend Orange and all entrants for their leadership and commitment to building thriving, sustainable communities.”
