Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria would like to thank
Category sponsor
Packaging Stewardship Forum
Independent judges
David Moncrieff
Terry O’Brien
Horrie Poussard
Robbie Rae
Ron Williamson
Brian Winch
Tony Wissenden
Supporters
Cadbury
Jamies Fine Dressings
Larkmen Nurseries
Puffing Billy Railway
Poll’s Echidnas
Event suppliers
Saxton
Pixel Creative
Jimmy Johnson Sculptures
Tuscan on Calder Catering
Silver Moon Events
Creatology
Wycheproof VISION
Video Dynamics
Printed by Impact Digital – 100% carbon neutral company.
Sustainability Victoria
Level 28, Urban Workshop
50 Lonsdale Street Melbourne 3000
T 1300 363 744
E info@sustainability.vic.gov.au
www.sustainability.vic.gov.au
Disclaimer
Information in this document is current as at October 2013. While all professional care has been taken
in preparing this document, Sustainability Victoria accepts no liability for loss or damages incurred as
a result of reliance place upon its content.
Minister’s Foreword
Victoria is leading the way on litter prevention demonstrating what community, government and
business can achieve by taking a cooperative approach to managing the environment.
The Victorian Government is committed to creating a safer, healthier environment for all Victorians
and we are delivering a number of initiatives through our Victorian Litter Strategy 2012-14.
Through the strategy we have:
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Offered $1.6million in grants program funding with a focus on roadside litter prevention and
improving recycling in public places in regional Victoria.
Continued delivery of the KABV community volunteer programs: Stationeers and Adopt a
Roadside
Trialled a summer litter campaign to educate Victorians about the consequences of litter and
encourage the reporting of litterers to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria
Delivered an illegal dumping program to tackle dumping at charitable recyclers
Conducted research to better understand littering and illegal dumping behaviours.
We recognise that community is integral to the success of litter prevention programs and greater
community engagement will increase action at a local level. Key to achieving this is to provide a
platform that rewards and recognises the vital work of communities. The Keep Australia Beautiful
Victoria (KABV) Awards program does just this.
For over 40 years KABV has been celebrating the sustainable actions taken every day by Victorians
across our state. The KABV Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards, now in their 31st year,
recognise and reward positive actions taken by regional Victorian communities to protect and
enhance their local environment.
Each year Tidy Towns entrants submit projects that have led to positive changes to make their towns
more sustainable, tidy and liveable. Many Victorians have volunteered their time to ensure their local
vision comes to fruition. I applaud these individuals and groups for their passion and effort. Without
this sense of environmental citizenship, Victoria would not be recognised as a leader in litter
prevention.
The Victorian Government remains committed to investing in and growing regional and rural Victoria
to create new opportunities and a better quality of life. I am proud to congratulate the 2013 Tidy Town
of the Year winner, Wangaratta, as well as all category winners and finalists.
The Hon Ryan Smith MP
Minster for Environment and Climate Change
Keep Australia Beautiful now and forever
Every day around Victoria, thousands of people contribute to projects that conserve, protect and
enhance their local environments through the Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria (KABV) program.
Each one of those people will tell you that the contribution they make, the friendships they develop
and the recognition they achieve are personally very satisfying and provide an enormous sense of
community spirit.
KABV was founded 45 years ago by Dame Phyllis Frost - a woman renowned for her commitment to
the environment and community.
Dame Phyllis thought that by creating Keep Australia Beautiful civic pride would be reignited. And she
was right. Today, the programs of KABV are managed by Sustainability Victoria and reach 225
communities, 70 towns and cities, and involve 2200 volunteers each year.
KABV incorporates awards and volunteer programs that recognise and reward councils, community
groups, schools and individuals.
The Sustainable Cities and Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Awards involve local people and
their councils, increasing council-community partnerships and genuine ownership of local
environments. Unlike other award programs, every project is visited and assessed by a trained,
independent judge.
KABV volunteer programs including Stationeers and Adopt a Roadside connect people in practical
and positive ways.
The Stationeers program improves the look and feel of railway stations across Victoria by
encouraging and supporting enhancement work undertaken by volunteers. The Adopt a Roadside
program aims to reduce litter on Victoria’s roadsides to stop pollutants from entering local waterways,
improves the quality of vegetation, and prevents soil degradation and erosion.
Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria celebrates and encourages the sustainable actions undertaken by
Victorian people and communities every day. For now and forever.
Wycheproof: 2012 Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards winner
Wycheproof is a small regional town in the north west of Victoria and is home to about 700 people. In
2012 the town was named Victorian Tidy Town of the Year at the Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria
(KABV) Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards.
Wycheproof VISION is the voice of residents, community groups and businesses. They liaise closely
with organisations, government and other stakeholders for the protection and advancement of
environmental and community assets, social and lifestyle opportunities and sustainability of the town
as a whole. The 15 strong volunteer member group meet monthly to discuss current issues and
problems and develop new projects using the Wycheproof VISION Community Plan as a guide.
The range of projects tackled is wide and varied, depending on the need and passions of the
community. Over the past few years the projects have included the $1 Rent a Farmhouse Project,
successfully keeping towers and antennas off Mt Wycheproof, developing a bi-annual Festival,
producing a monthly community newsletter and developing a precinct around the restored historic
Wycheproof Station.
Working under the Wycheproof VISION banner are a number of other groups including the Chamber
of Commerce, Friends of Mt Wycheproof and the Swimming Pool Committee. This structure frees
smaller groups up from onerous paperwork and finance obligations, while still remaining accountable
and sustainable.
Wycheproof VISION supports the range of skills that members offer and the group regularly draws
upon helpers beyond the immediate membership. The group works closely with the Wycheproof
Community Resource Centre to research and apply for grants. Wycheproof Vision invite community
groups and other organisations to meetings to ensure communication between stakeholders
continues to be transparent and inclusive.
Owing to the local agricultural industry and the nature of lean seasons, the reuse of materials and
sustainability is an integral part of life for people living in the Mallee region. The KABV Awards has
provided Wycheproof with the momentum, framework and recognition to continue working towards
the ideals of an enhanced community experience and protection of the local environment.
Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards 2013 category winners, finalists and highly
commended recipients
Tidy Town of the Year 2013
Wangaratta
Beechworth
Campaspe
Hastings
Horsham
Rye
Dame Phyllis Frost
James Douglass
Active School
Kaniva College
Whitfield District Primary School (Highly Commended)
Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee
Dartmoor Primary School
Mildura West Primary School
St Augustine’s College, Kyabram
St Joseph's, Crib Point
Clean Beach
Horsham Tidy Towns
Corangamite Catchment Management Authority
Dimboola Tidy Towners
Ryes Up Community and Traders
Community Action Leadership (population 3,000 and below)
Hastings Community House
Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee (Highly Commended)
Avenel Stationeers Group
Dartmoor and District Progress Association Inc.
Dimboola Tidy Towners
Pentland Hills Landcare Group
Ryes Up Community and Traders
Community Action Leadership (population above 3,000)
Bass Coast Shire Council
Coal Creek Community Park and Museum
Wangaratta Community Pride Committee
Cultural Heritage
Vietnam Veterans Association and Seymour Historical Society
Milawa Heritage Group (Highly Commended)
Rutherglen Primary School and St Mary’s Primary School (Highly Commended)
Wycheproof VISION (Highly Commended)
Bass Coast Shire Council
Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee (entry 1)
Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee (entry 2)
Coal Creek Community Park and Museum
Dimboola Tidy Towners
El Dorado Museum Association
Ryes Up Community and Traders
Yurunga Homestead Committee of Management
Government Partnerships
Pentland Hills Landcare Group
Crouching Emu Revegetation Project Committee (Highly Commended)
Ryes Up Community and Traders (Highly Commended)
Corangamite Catchment Management Authority
Horsham Tidy Towns
Oxley Residents Association
Ryes Up Community and Traders
Litter Prevention
Western Port Secondary College, Hastings
Horsham Tidy Towns (Highly Commended)
Bass Coast Shire Council
Dartmoor and District Progress Association Inc
Ryes Up Community and Traders
Shire of Campaspe
Wangaratta Sustainability Network
Pam Keating Environmental Sustainability
Wannon Water (entry 1)
Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee
Wangaratta Sustainability Network
Wannon Water (entry 2)
Protection of the Environment
Gunbower Landcare Group
Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee
Crouching Emu Revegetation Project Committee
Pentland Hills Landcare Group
Rutherglen Tidy Towns Committee
St Joseph's, Crib Point
Western Point Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Resource Recovery and Waste Management
Horsham Tidy Towns
Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee
Kaniva College
Shire of Campaspe
South Gippsland Shire Council Sustainability Team
St Augustine’s College, Kyabram
Young Leaders
Mooroopna Secondary College
Horsham Tidy Towns
Wangaratta Youth Council
Western Port Secondary College, Hastings
Gift Fund Prize
Beechworth – Lake Sambell Management Committee
St Joseph’s, Crib Point – Mangrove Regeneration
Wycheproof VISION – Railway Place
Winner
Tidy Town of the Year 2013
Wangaratta
Wangaratta is located in north east Victoria and is home to over 27,000 residents. The town attracts
thousands of visitors annually to its festivals and to enjoy the clean rural city with many surrounding
natural features.
The Rural City of Wangaratta is retro-fitting council buildings with solar panels and is striving for a
20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2016. To encourage sustainable living within the
community, the council’s Eco Living Centre provides advice to the public on sustainable building
practices and gardening options. There is also a purpose built trailer for use at meetings, expos,
markets, schools and to take to the surrounding rural communities of Wangaratta to educate and
advise on sustainable building and gardening.
The Wangaratta Youth Council works alongside the Rural City of Wangaratta to support and consult
with young people, council and community on youth events and activities. The Youth Council
encourages leadership and the promotion of environmental awareness.
The community of Wangaratta is sharing their history to ensure the region’s heritage is preserved.
The Milawa Heritage Group researched the history of the Oxley Plains, the original name of the area,
and published the book - About a Mile Away - a comprehensive account of the region from 1824 to
2012.
The book appeals to descendants of the early settlers, historians and residents. The Eldorado
Tourism Group has also shaped heritage walking trails with information panels to tell the rich history
of Eldorado.
Over 90 volunteer community groups work to organise town tourist attractions and enhance events to
ensure visitors have a lasting impression of Wangaratta’s community pride and friendliness. Rivers,
creeks, billabongs and native habitat surrounding the city are maintained and supported by many
volunteers, school programs and council.
The Wangaratta Community Pride Committee (WCPC) nurture civic pride by initiating and
coordinating a range of activities. They deliver education programs for litter prevention and
sustainability in schools and in the community. WCPC run events during National Volunteers Week to
honour the many volunteers who help to make Wangaratta the beautiful city it is today.
Finalists
Tidy Town of the Year 2013
Beechworth
Situated in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range in north east Victoria, the Beechworth community
have a strong sense of commitment and pride and are involved in a broad range of initiatives to
ensure a sustainable future. The Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee, the Indigo Shire Council and
the community are committed to taking a strategic approach to sustainability.
Beechworth has a rich and varied history and a strong desire to retain its heritage. The community is
friendly, enthusiastic and dedicated to caring for their unique environment while encouraging business
to develop and thrive in a sustainable manner. Numerous volunteer environmental community groups
work in partnership with the Indigo Shire Council and effectively contribute to enhancing and
protecting the environment.
Newly completed projects include the opening of Silver Banksia Walk - a story guided creek side
walking path, and the fully restored 1857 Christ Church with its refurbished heritage pipe organ.
Campaspe
The Shire of Campaspe covers 4,525 square kilometres and the heritage is firmly founded in the
natural environment, healthy soils, productive land, flowing rivers, clean air and water. The council
and an active community of volunteers work together to protect biodiversity and the natural
environment.
To reduce waste to landfill, council engaged 370 homes to participate in a trial to collect food scraps
and garden waste. This household waste is then collected by a council organics waste bin. If the trial
is successful the intention is to introduce the program throughout the community.
The Gunbower Landcare Committee and the Gunbower and District Development Committee work
together to deliver presentations that highlight the unique qualities of the woodlands and waterways to
local community, schools, authorities and surrounding districts. An active Landcare Group is also
located in Echuca.
Hastings
Picturesque Hastings in Western Port Bay is located on the eastern side of the Mornington Peninsula
and covers just over 600 square kilometres. The natural features include the Langwarrin Flora and
Fauna Reserve, the Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens, Boggy Creek, Kings Creek and Warringine
Park.
The community of Hastings takes great pride in maintaining the environment. This is seen in the many
projects undertaken by schools, community, friends and scout groups. Western Port Secondary
College’s active student environment group work with local council and schools to reduce litter,
encourage composting and recycling. The students from St Joseph’s School have undertaken a
mangrove revegetation program.
The Warringine Park and walking track and the Connecting King Creek project involve community
groups actively working together to create stunning conservation and recreation facilities.
Horsham
The Wimmera town of Horsham is Victoria’s most successful Tidy Town winning the KABV title five
times. In 2001 they also won the KAB National Tidy Town of the Year Award. The individuals, groups,
service clubs, media, business and council continue to work together to create a sustainable
community that residents are proud of. The successful ongoing programs include litter management
and prevention with the “Don’t Rubbish Horsham” slogan.
To reduce landfill the Grampians Regional Waste Management Group is running a trial program to
crush broken glass, add it in premix concrete and use it as footpath replacement in Horsham. The
“Blue Frog” symbol is encouraging staff at Wimmera Health care to reduce energy use and to
promote recycling throughout the facility. Horsham schools are committed to becoming more
sustainable. Horsham West and Haven Primary Schools have the Reuse, Reduce and Recycle
formula for materials use and also a successful gardening program.
Rye
The township of Rye on the Mornington Peninsula celebrated its 152nd birthday in 2013. Originally a
farming and fishing town, today Rye is a destination for thousands of holiday makers and campers in
summer and an increasing number of tourists in winter. The input of community groups to assist in
new initiatives and the upkeep of existing services and facilities has contributed enormously to
attracting visitors to the township.
Community groups including Rye’s Up Community and Traders Association, Rotary and Lions Clubs,
Rye Historical Society and the many sports and social clubs along the Mornington Peninsula have
been instrumental in ensuring the township is vibrant, clean and tidy.
Winner
Dame Phyllis Frost Award
James Douglass
James (Jim) Douglass has been active in preparing entries for the KABV Tidy Towns Awards for more
than 10 years. During this time Jim has worked tirelessly to promote the work carried out by the
communities of Greater Shepparton and the City of Mooroopna. Jim has always worked to help
children and youth develop and grow through education and recreation.
In the course of his work with the Kiwanis service club Jim introduced the Early Learning is Fun
program to the area to start families reading from an early age. He also works on committees to
improve facilities for toddlers in kindergartens and children in primary schools. Jim helps learner
drivers to log enough driving hours to go for a drivers licence test.
Jim’s passion has been to lead the community in support of youth at Mooroopna Secondary College
where he has been a committee member since 1972. Jim has always believed that with education
and guidance young people can be successful in adult life. The Mooroopna Secondary College
Principal, Gary Fletcher, said Jim is passionate and utterly committed to the community and that his
work at Mooroopna has been outstanding, “Jim’s total commitment has been to giving young people
the best opportunities to succeed in life... most importantly he is passionate about Mooroopna; his
love and devotion to this community is amazing.”
Community members take a lot of pride in Mooroopna, ‘‘The club is very proud of what we do in
Mooroopna and the actions of our community... we like to promote Mooroopna as much as we can,”
said Jim.
Jim’s community commitments include:
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Charter member Apex - President 1970
Charter Member Mooroopna Kiwanis since 1978 and still an active board member
Kiwanis club president 1998 and 2010
Mooroopna Masonic Lodge Master 1991-1992, 1996-1997
Mooroopna Recreation Committee of Management from 1976 and still an active member,
president for three years in the 1980s and still an active member
Secretary Mooroopna Post Primary Committee - secured the high school for Mooroopna
1968-1972
Committee Member of Mooroopna Secondary College from 1972 to present
Chairman Mooroopna Secondary College co-op since 1970s to present
Chairman of Fundraising Committee for new Scout Guide Gall in Mooroopna in 1980s
Member of Mooroopna Historical Society Fundraising Committee
Member of Mooroopna Steering Committee and involved in preparing the Community Plan
Member of Shepparton RSL National Service Committee member
Board member of Blue Light Disco from 2006 to present and arranged 10 discos per year
Worked at Ardmona Food products for 40 years
Berry Street L2P Driving Programme (drive with young people to build driving hours for
licence)
Kiwanis Division 7 Eliminate (A global campaign to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus) co-ordinator for eight groups
K-Kids Kiwanis Mooroopna Park Primary School – from 2010 to present.
Winner
Active Schools
Kaniva College
Your Waste, Someone's Treasure
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Kaniva College is a school committed to environmental sustainability.
The students are active throughout the community and supported by West Wimmera Shire Council to
collect discarded bikes, gardening equipment, sporting goods, computers, clothing, phones and
books.
Bikes are repaired and some are sold to fund spare parts for restoration of other items. Shipping
containers are used to send restored goods to Africa and East Timor - over 80 computers and 100
bikes have already been sent. Decommissioned books from Kaniva and Bordertown schools and
libraries are collected and distributed to underprivileged schools – so far over 10 tonnes have been
collected.
Materials for textiles and woodwork classes are sourced from recycled items and the school stores
unwanted timber for future use by students and the community. Construction of a 2500m2
community-college vegetable garden has begun, watered by stored captured water, to supply the
college and community volunteers with produce.
Finalists
Whitfield District Primary School
Sustainable Living Everyday
Highly commended
Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee
Wooragee Primary School
Dartmoor Primary School
Live Well!
Mildura West Primary School
Student Voice = Action = Win for the Environment
St Augustine's, Kyabram
Recycling Rewards Slash Waste
St Joseph's, Crib Point
Mangrove Regeneration
Winner
Clean Beach
Horsham Tidy Towns
Let the Clean Up Begin
Ten kilometres south east of Horsham, Green Lake is enjoyed for recreation, water sports, fishing,
swimming and tourism. Severely affected by drought, in 2001 the lake totally dried up. The lake was
severely affected by drought in 2001 and totally dried up.
The Green Lake Action Group organised several working bees with local and passionate lake users to
clean up the foreshore and banks. Meetings were held with Wimmera Catchment Management
Authority and GWMWater to discuss environmental and safety issues.
Up to 70 people arrived at the final working bee: young and old armed with rakes, chainsaws,
mowers, wheelbarrows and utes. The fire brigade assisted, children gathered sticks and pinecones,
and the community provided cakes and cold drinks. The sandy natural beach was cleared and handraked.
The excitement of the lake filling inspired the community to continue improving the facilities and
council installed new picnic settings. Now, locals and tourists can again enjoy Green Lake.
Finalists
Corangamite Catchment Management Authority
EstuaryWatch
Dimboola Tidy Towners
Get Fit or Just Relax on the Wimmera River Banks
Ryes Up Community and Traders
Junior Sailing
Winner
Community Action Leadership (population 3,000 and below)
Hastings Community House
Guinness World Record - Hastings Community House
In 2013 a curious and cross-generational community creature was born in the Western Port region.
This project, culminating in a Guinness World Record breaking 1,768.8m long toy snake, brought
together 16 Western Port schools, home-bound elderly residents, nursing home residents, and
numerous enthusiastic individuals in an unprecedented way.
Volunteers of all ages knitted or sewed 1m x 22cm segments that were then joined together and
stuffed to form the snake. For home-bound residents, materials were dropped in and finished work
was collected. Residents in nursing homes who struggled to join regular volunteer activities worked
together to produce their sections. Materials, information and encouragement were passed from one
group to another through the process and are now embodied in the world’s longest toy.
But the snake’s community spirit lives on… the next step is a deconstructive one: to break the snake
down to produce comfort toys for children and draft stoppers for local residents.
Finalists
Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee
Christ Church Restoration
Highly commended
Avenel Stationeers Group
Avenel Station Garden
Dartmoor and District Progress Association Inc.
Working Together
Dimboola Tidy Towners
Pavers and Signage
Pentland Hills Landcare Group
Myrniong and District Landholder Expo
Ryes Up Community and Traders
Lions Club Contributions to Rye
Winner
Community Action Leadership (population above 3,000)
Bass Coast Shire Council
The Shearwater Festival
Each year up to one million Shearwater (Biyadin) fly 15,000 km from Alaska to return to Phillip Island
to breed. These birds and eggs were once a food source to local Indigenous people and are part of
Indigenous culture. In recent times this avian migration has sparked cultural exchange between
schools on Phillip Island and in Alaska.
The Shearwater Festival, auspiced by the Aboriginal Corporation of Languages and supported by
Bass Coast Shire Council, was devised to educate and instigate a local reconciliation plan between
Indigenous and other Australians.
The festival included ranger-led walks to observe the birds returning to their nests in the evening and
then back out to sea at dawn. It also included displays of art, photography, textiles and sculpture as
well as music, poetry and dance performances at the Nobbies Centre (showcasing Australian fur
seals and overlooking Bass Strait). Indigenous dancers prepared a Shearwater inspired dance and
songs were written and performed in the local Boonwurrung Indigenous language with translations
provided by local elders.
Finalists
Coal Creek Community Park and Museum
A Question of Honour
Wangaratta Community Pride Committee
Volunteer Extraordinaire
Winner
Cultural Heritage
Vietnam Veterans Association and Seymour Historical Society
Stage 2 of the Vietnam Veterans Walk / Military Heritage Weekend
The Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk (VVCW) in Seymour allows visitors to walk through a
soldier’s journey from enlistment to the harsh battlefields of Vietnam.
The installation features digi-glass panels to honour the 62,100 Australian service men and women
who served in the Vietnam war. With meandering pathways the landscaped area is reminiscent of
Vietnam. A replica of the Luscombe Bowl (the famous concert space in Vietnam) and a memorial
cairn and lighting systems come together to honour the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans.
The VVCW was officially opened in March 2013 in front of visitors and dignitaries from across
Australia. It was launched as the centrepiece of the community-driven Seymour Military Heritage
Weekend that attracted 7000 people. The VVCW adds to Seymour’s rich military heritage and visitors
can learn about this important part of Australian history.
Finalists
Milawa Heritage Group
About a Mile Away - The Heritage of the Oxley Plains
Highly commended
Rutherglen Primary School and St Mary’s Primary School
The Unrevealed Secrets of History
Highly commended
Wycheproof VISION
The Passing Parade - Debutante Ball Publication
Highly commended
Bass Coast Shire Council
The Shearwater Festival
Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee
Rail to the Past
Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee
Christ Church Restoration
Coal Creek Community Park and Museum
Restoration of K Class Loco, First and Second Class Carriages, Guards and ZL Van
Dimboola Tidy Towners
Step Back in Time
El Dorado Museum Association
Telling the Stories
Rye's Up Community and Traders
Looking after Rye Cemetery
Yurunga Homestead Committee of Management
Yurunga Homestead, Rainbow - Bush House Restoration
Winner
Government Partnerships
Pentland Hills Landcare Group
Myrniong and Korkuperrimul Creeks Biolink
The Myrniong and Korkuperrimul Creeks Biolink Project is a community led project linking Werribee
Gorge to Lerderderg-Wombat Forest. The biolink will follow 33km of creek line from the slopes of
Mount Blackwood in the north to the Werribee River and Werribee Gorge Park in the south.
The Pentland Hills Landcare Group (PHLC) is managing the $1.7million project in partnership with
Melbourne Water, the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Vision for Werribee Plains
and Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Management Authority’s Grow West initiative.
PHLC have engaged the community in all aspects of governance and leadership. In the first year 20
landholders joined the project and revegetated 15km of water ways. The project assessed levels of
rabbit threat and baseline survey measurements of stream water health, plants and mammals, birds
and macro invertebrates.
This project is one of many initiated and led by PHLC demonstrating the capacity of the group to
undertake large, practical environmental projects.
Finalists
Couching Emu Revegetation Project Committee
The Crouching Emu Revegetation, Tatura
Highly commended
Ryes Up Community and Traders
Foreshore Community Playground
Highly commended
Corangamite Catchment Management Authority
EstuaryWatch
Horsham Tidy Towns
Haven
Oxley Residents Association
Oxley Memorial Park Redevelopment
Rye's Up Community and Traders
Rye Gift
Winner
Litter prevention
Western Port Secondary College, Hastings
Litter Reduction in our College and Community
Students from Western Port Secondary College (WPSC) environment group wanted to tackle school
and community litter.
Students formed a group and conducted a litter and bin audit along High Street, Hastings, weighing
and categorising what they found. The group agreed that to decrease litter, bins should be placed
where most litter was found. Consultation with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council led to bin
relocation and a visible reduction in litter.
On the college grounds litter was a problem, as was waste removed from bins by crows and ibis. The
environment group consulted other college students and found the problem was the style of bins students disliked pushing rubbish through rubber circular tops and were reluctant to touch bins they
considered dirty. The group researched various bins and recommended the purchase of pedal
operated wheelie bins. The pedal bins proved a success and school administration is now working to
introduce them throughout the grounds.
Finalists
Horsham Tidy Towns
Don't Rubbish Horsham
Highly commended
Bass Coast Shire Council
Shops Must ''Do the Right Thing'' this Summer
Dartmoor and District Progress Association Inc
Keeping it Clean in Dartmoor
Ryes Up Community and Traders
Clean Up Australia Day and more
Shire of Campaspe
Supporting Clean Up Australia Day
Wangaratta Sustainabilty Network
Do Your Litter Bit Bin It!
About Pam Keating (1954 to 2009)
Pam Keating was a visionary and a passionate Chair of Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria (KABV). The
Victorian community benefited from her dedication to the environment and waste management
industry. Pam was an environmentalist and business woman with many years service on a range of
boards including the Metropolitan Waste Management Group, Business Skills Victoria and Gippsland
Water. Pam Keating was a driving force behind KABV’s efforts to reduce waste and its impacts on the
environment. The KABV Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Protection of the Environment Award
recognises outstanding achievement and is presented in Pam’s honour.
Winner
Pam Keating Environmental Sustainability
Wannon Water
Warrnambool Roof Water Harvesting Demonstration
The Warrnambool Roof Water Harvesting (RWH) Demonstration Project is one of the first of its kind in
Australia and provides a working demonstration of a sustainable approach to integrated water
management.
The project was launched in 2011 by the Minister for Water the Hon Peter Walsh. The project collects
rainwater from rooftops in new residential subdivisions and transports it through a pipe network to
existing raw water storage. The roof water and raw water is then treated at the Wannon Water
treatment plant. When connected to 3000 homes in Warrnambool’s north east corridor, the project will
contribute 450 mega litres of water to Warrnambool’s water supply and save an estimated 585 tonnes
of carbon emissions annually.
This newly created urban water catchment is an environmentally sustainable and financially viable
alternative to individual rainwater tanks and other augmentation options. The project has earned
national acclaim for its social, environmental and economic sustainability outcomes.
Finalists
Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee
Land for Living
Wangaratta Sustainability Network
Sustainable House Day and Beyond
Wannon Water
25 Gateway Road Building
Winner
Protection of the Environment
Gunbower Landcare Group
Increasing Community Awareness of Hollow Logs and Habitat Trees
The Gunbower Landcare Committee and the Gunbower and District Development Committee Inc are
working together to raise awareness of the importance of hollow logs and habitat trees for bird
breeding and bushland creatures. The groups have been delivering presentations to highlight the
unique qualities of the woodlands and waterways to local community, schools, authorities and
surrounding districts.
The groups also support a range of programs being delivered by the North Central Catchment
Management Authority including woody weed removal along the waterways (willows) and protection
of remnant woodlands through fencing.
The group’s work with landholders to encourage the fencing of roadsides for grazing cattle and
several kilometres of fencing has been erected through this partnership. Another project underway is
the protection of Gum Lagoon’s riparian zone (the interface between land and water). This project
includes fox baiting, turtle nest protection to ensure stability of the turtle population and planting of
Indigenous species to improve water quality and biodiversity.
Finalists
Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee
Silver Banksia Walk
Couching Emu Revegetation Project Committee
The Crouching Emu Revegetation, Tatura
Pentland Hills Landcare Group
Pentland Hills Community Planting Day
Rutherglen Tidy Towns Committee
Clearing Out the Feral Olives
St Joseph's, Crib Point
Mangrove Regeneration
Western Port Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Ted Harris' Walking Track
Winner
Resource Recovery and Waste Management
Horsham Tidy Towns
Blue Frog
Wimmera Health Care Group employs over 900 staff and is Horsham’s largest organisation. The
organisation’s Environmental Management Working Party developed a plan to reduce their
environmental impact.
At the centre of the plan is the “Blue Frog’ - an ambassador for making the right environmental
decisions. The first environmental target was recycling of printer cartridges with the Blue Frog symbol,
along with messages about recycling and correct waste disposal placed throughout the hospital.
Blue Frog stickers are above light switches and on computers reminding staff to switch off and save
power. As part of the Blue Frog Environmental Management Plan, colour-coded waste bins were
introduced for general, secured and recyclables as well as a large recycling cage. Waste removal
from the site has reduced by 20% and further sustainability improvements will be targeted and
reported to staff and the community.
Finalists
Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee
Beechworth Correctional Centre Timber Recycling Environmental Initiative
Kaniva College
Your Waste, Someone's Treasure
Shire of Campaspe
Kyabram Organics Trial
South Gippsland Shire Council Sustainability Team
Holiday Recycling Pack
St Augustine's College, Kyabram
Resource Recovery at Our School
Winner
Young Leaders
Mooroopna Secondary College
Youth Leadership Achievements
Mooroopna Secondary College (MSC) has 500 students among these are many high achievers. In
March 2013 the Lions Club of Victoria named Nathan Booth the District Youth of the Year in Public
Speaking. Student Reece Rowe was named the 2013 Mooroopna Community Young Australian of the
Year.
The college’s programs encourage Indigenous cultural learning including the Warnick Program that
saw students participate in dreamtime at the MCG. The college’s Koori boys dance group, Batja
Malnigan, worked with multi-talented performer Boori Monty Pryor to explore heritage and cultural
history.
The college has an outstanding record of promoting and developing student leadership and student
leaders undertake a rigorous interview process before they are appointed. The student leaders sit on
College Council with full voting rights and input into college strategic planning. The Student
Representative Council plays an active role in leading the school’s internal fundraising events and
being the student voice.
Year 11 MSC students also assisted in part of the planting for the Crouching Emu Revegetation
project, managed and coordinated by Tatura Landcare.
Finalists
Horsham Tidy Towns
Skate Park
Wangaratta Youth Council
Young Leaders with Heart, Seeking and Acting
Western Port Secondary College, Hastings
Sustainability Across the College and Community
Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Tidy Towns Gift Fund Prizes 2013
Beechworth – Lake Sambell Management Committee
Beechworth’s Lake Sambell Management Committee (LSMC) was formed in 1990 with members
representing residents and community. In 2000, Emma’s Garden was created to honour Beechworth
Olympian Pole Vaulter Emma George with funding from the Sydney 2000 Olympics as part of
‘Olympics Greening Australia’.
The garden project involved planting native trees, shrubs and groundcover plants to create a small
bird habitat and a bird hide so people could view the water and woodland birds. Lake Sambell has up
to 80 resident bird species including water birds and many migratory bird species.
Due to nine years of drought many of the garden’s plants were lost over the years. In August 2013,
with funds raised by the LSMC and matched by Indigo Shire Council, the committee, community,
clubs and the Beechworth Correctional Centre commenced the revegetation works to Emma’s
Garden.
The Gift Fund Prize will fund an identification and conservation storyboard for the garden that will help
visitors identify birds and learn about their conservation status and food source.
Wycheproof VISION – Railway Place
Wycheproof VISION is Wycheproof's progress association - an active group that has undertaken
successful short and long-term initiatives to benefit the town of Wycheproof.
It has been a long anticipated goal of many groups and individuals in Wycheproof to create
sustainable and beautiful use of the Railway Precinct. Wycheproof VISION is currently leading a
project that aims to enhance community use of the town’s Railway Place area by building on existing
infrastructure in an environmentally sustainable manner.
The Gift Fund Prize will assist with funding for the design and the building of a sustainable garden that
includes native plants, a commemorative area to recognise the heritage of railway workers and a
designated area for picnics.
St Joseph’s, Crib Point – Mangrove Regeneration
The Mangrove Regeneration project was initiated in 2011 by St Joseph’s Crib Point as the school was
keen to get involved in local action that would benefit students and the community of Western Port
Bay. The school became involved in harvesting, propagating and replanting white mangroves into
various regions at the north of Western Port Bay.
Through the commitment of students and the community the Mangrove Regeneration project has
gone from strength to strength. There are now three schools assisting - St Mary's in Williamstown, St
Macartans in Mornington and Dromana Secondary School - and there are plans for future growth.
The Gift Fund Prize will support St Joseph’s to continue delivery of the project with the support of Dr
Tim Ealey from the Western Port Seagrass Partnership. St Joseph's will provide the energy and
workforce for the project via students and the broader community. Dr Ealey will provide his expert
scientific knowledge on mangroves and their effect on reducing erosion throughout Westernport Bay.
Previous Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria award winners
Tidy Town of the Year:
2013 Wangaratta
2012 Wycheproof
2011 Mornington
2010 Rutherglen
2009 Beechworth
2008 Horsham
2007 Moe
2006 Benalla
2005 Benalla
2004 Heywood
2003 Hastings
2002 Seymour
2001 Horsham
2000 Horsham
1999 Cobden
1998 Red Cliffs
1997 Mirboo North
1996 Rutherglen
1995 Lakes Entrance
1994 Red Cliffs
1993 Cobram
1992 Eildon
1991 Cobram
1990 Portland
1989 Maffra
1988 Macarthur
1987 Horsham
1986 Horsham
1985 Mildura
1984 Cohuna
1983 Broadford
Sustainable Cities:
2013 City of Moreland
2012 City of Boroondara
2011 City of Yarra
2010 Melton Shire Council
2009 Hobsons Bay City Council
2008 Frankston City Council
2007 Melton Shire Council
2006 Hume City Council
2005 Casey City Council
About Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria
For over 40 years Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria (KABV) has been celebrating the
sustainable actions taken every day by Victorians across our state.
Founded in 1968 by Dame Phyllis Frost AC, DBE, DSocSC (Hon), KABV has grown from a
simple anti-litter campaign to encompass sustainability activities as diverse as reducing
waste, preserving heritage and culture, saving energy, improving biodiversity and conserving
water.
KABV is a program managed by Sustainability Victoria and is part of the national KAB
network that has representation in all states.
The Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards recognise regional communities and in
2012 celebrated 30 years of rewarding Victorians for taking sustainable actions.
In addition to the Sustainable Cities and Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards,
KABV offers two other programs:
■ Adopt a Roadside supports community groups efforts to help restore and maintain
sections of their local arterial road network, protecting environments and increasing
community pride and ownership.
■ Stationeers encourages groups to improve the appearance and surrounds of their local
railway station, giving them a sense of pride in what is often the gateway into their
community.
Investing in our communities
Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria welcomes financial contributions to our community Gift
Fund. The Gift Fund was set up to help communities do more, today and every day. All
donations over $2 to the Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Gift Fund are tax deductible. To
invest in our vibrant communities, please contact KABV on the details below.
Membership
To become a member of KABV or for more information about these programs, please
contact us on:
Telephone: (03) 8626 8750
Email: kabv@sustainability.vic.gov.au
Website: sustainability.vic.gov.au/kabv