Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities · 2011 Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards 7 1....

Rutherglen

Rutherglen

sustainability.vic.gov.au/kabv

Tidy Towns -Sustainable CommunitiesAwArds 2011

Thank you from Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria

Category Sponsor - Towards Zero Waste - Community Action ≤3000 - Community Action >3000 Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria would like to thank:

Corporate Staging Services www.csservices.com.au

Georgina James Photography

Rutherglen Florist www.rutherglenflorist.com.au

Lyric Olives www.lyricolives.com.au

Paul Mercurio www.paulmercurio.net

Puffing Billy www.puffingbilly.com.au

The Terrace Restaurant at All Saints Estate www.prbwines.com.au

V/Line www.vline.com.au

The Wicked Virgin www.thewickedvirgin.com

The Winemakers of Rutherglen www.winemakers.com.au

Thank you to the people of Rutherglen, especially Don Chambers, Frances Walsh and Brendan Smith.

And a special thank you to our independent judges: Andrea Marian Terry O’Brien Robbie Rae Ron Williamson Brian Winch Tony Wissenden

GreenPower has been purchased to power this event.

Printed by Impact Digital, a leading digital printer reducing their carbon footprint. Impact Digital is committed to reducing energy by utilising 120 solar panels, solar hot water, rain water tanks and energy efficient lighting in their business operations. Impact Digital has partnered with Carbon Conscious to offset their carbon emissions. For more information on this initiative visit www.impactdigital.com.au. Booklet printed on 100% recycled paper.

32011 Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards

Ministers Foreword

Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities, through Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria, provides our regional communities with the opportunity to show-off their town and obtain recognition for the great effort communities and individuals make each day, to keep our towns clean, sustainable and tidy.

These awards have been warmly embraced by regional Victorians for almost 30 years, with several regional towns taking out the top prize. This year the awards welcomed 53 individual entries, consisting of 188 initiatives from all levels of the community.

Contributions to the environment can be big or small. You can plant a tree, restore your local parklands, volunteer for your local Landcare group, or invest in new methods of recycling and resource efficiency.

As Minister for Environment and Climate Change I applaud your efforts. Your actions are helping to make our environment more beautiful and enjoyable. I wish I could be there tonight in the beautiful Rutherglen Memorial Hall to see the great work done by the local community and to congratulate all the finalists in person.

A little later tonight a town will follow in Rutherglen’s footsteps and be crowned Tidy Town of the Year. It’s an honour that town will carry well into the future and inspire others to do their bit.

The winner tonight will be presented with a plaque to display in the township and remind residents and visitors of the actions the community has taken to lead the way in environmental improvement.

As well as Tidy Town of the Year, there are 13 other awards up for grabs tonight, so let me finish here with a vote of thanks from the Victorian Coalition Government to every community who entered the 2011 Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards. Your community spirit and endeavour to create a sustainable future for Victoria is to be applauded.

The Hon Ryan Smith MP Minister for Environment and Climate Change

Host - Paul Mercurio

One of Australia’s most accomplished and recognised television personalities, Paul Mercurio has explored and succeeded in his pursuits of dance, choreography, acting, television presenting, cooking, beer brewing and writing.

Many will know Paul from his early dancing endeavours and his role in Baz Luhrmann’s critically acclaimed film, ‘Strictly Ballroom’. Since then, Paul has carved out an impressive dance and acting résumé, performed in 14 features films, countless Australian television shows, choreographed over 30 dance works for stage and screen and performed in various theatre productions.

Later in his career, Paul began to follow his passion for food and brewing, with his most current program on the Seven Network, ‘Mercurio’s Menu’ also seen in over 40 countries around the world. He has taken this passion into writing, having authored two cookbooks, with his latest book, ‘Cooking With Beer’ being an enormous success.

4 2011 Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards

Order of Proceedings

Pre Dinner DrinksMingle with Tidy Towns participants, supporters and sponsors

Welcome by host Paul Mercurio

Presentations after entree2011 Community Action Award for population ≤ 3000

2011 Community Action Award for population > 3000

2011 Cultural Heritage Award

2011 Pam Keating Environmental Sustainability Award

2011 Towards Zero Waste Award

2011 Protection of the Environment Award

Presentations after main course2011 Community Government Partnerships Award

2011 Water Conservation Award

2011 Efficient Energy Award

2011 Young Leaders - Individuals Award

2011 Young Leaders - Groups Award

2011 Community Leadership Award

Door Prizes

Presentations after dessert2011 Dame Phyllis Frost Award

2011 Tidy Town of the Year Award


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1 Aireys Inlet & Anglesea2 Beechworth3 Birallee Park4 Capel Sound Foreshore5 Carisbrook6 Coal Creek7 Colac Otway8 Crib Point9 Dimboola10 Flinders11 Hastings12 Horsham13 Inverloch14 Kyabram15 Lake Boga16 Lake Lascelles

17 Latrobe18 Mildura19 Mornington20 Mt Pleasant Creek21 Poowong22 Portland23 Rainbow24 Rutherglen25 St Arnaud26 Tatura27 Torquay28 Victorian Alpine Resorts29 Wangaratta30 Warnambool31 Wycheproof32 Yarra Junction

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Locations of the 2011 Finalists


Entree

1 Rivalea roasted pork belly with celeriac puree, caramelized shallots and slaw salad of broad beans, asparagus, shaved fennel, fresh ricotta, Gooramadda olives and mint

Main Course

2 Slow braised Rutherglen suckling lamb, peperoncino, Aintree Farm organic almonds and olive salsa with rosemary roast potatoes

3 Brimin Lodge Murray Cod poached in Gooramadda olive oil with baby leek, spring ratatouille

4 Mixed leaf salad with Gooramadda EVOO Vinaigrette

Dessert

5 Myrtleford buttermilk panna cotta with All Saints Estate Muscat poached rhubarb and pistachio

6 Lemon mascarpone tart with Gundowring lime ice-cream

7 Homemade biscotti with Aintree Farm organic almonds

8 Genovese coffee and Herb Barn tea

Sides

9 Artisan bread rolls by The Terrace at All Saints Estate

10 Tatura Butter

Wines

All wines sourced from the Winemakers of Rutherglen

Sparkling Cofield Wines Max’s Footsteps Chardonnay Pinot NV

White Wines Scion Vineyards 2008 Viogner Lake Moodemere Vineyards 2006 Chardonnay

Red Wines Campbells Wines 2009 Bobbie Burns Shiraz Morris 2006 Morris Shiraz

Fortified Rutherglen Estates NV Muscat Buller Wines Rutherglen Old Vine Tokay

Menu


1. Rivalea pork belly

Rivalea, in the Murray Valley owns all animals to ensure optimum breeding and rearing conditions. Rivalea aims to minimise its environmental footprint through sustainable management systems to conserve soils, limit chemical usage and improve water use efficiency. Rivalea actively reduces waste, recycles effluent and minimises energy usage.

2. Rutherglen lamb

Around the vineyards of Rutherglen and close to the great Murray River every lamb is hand selected from the flocks that graze in this beautiful North East region of Victoria. The milk-fed lamb is full of flavour and has been chosen for its high quality and proximity to the Terrace kitchen - only 25 food miles away.

3. Brimin Lodge Murray Cod

Brimin Lodge is an innovative local farm business with strong environmental credentials and operates under an environmental management plan. On Murray River frontage, their sustainable Murray Cod farming enterprise sells fish fillets to holiday-makers on the farm and to local restaurants. The property has extensive agroforestry plantings and has a strong emphasis on wildlife with accreditation as a Land for Wildlife property.

4. Gooramadda Olive Co.

Gooramadda Olives Co. is located halfway between Rutherglen and Wodonga in North East Victoria. On the property Jos and Kathy Weemaes grow olives, process table olives and cold press extra virgin olive oil for retail of the final product through the cellar door. Olives are harvested by hand, and as the owners put it: ‘It’s a labour in love and hard work’. The products are available their tasting room and at farmers’ markets.

5. Myrtleford Butter Factory buttermilk

Mother and daughter team Naomi and Bronwyn Ingleton own and run the Myrtleford Butter Factory. Their butter is hand-made using cream from local high country cows and a unique blend of cultures in true European style. The buttermilk used in tonight’s panna cotta is one of the few true buttermilks still made in Victoria.

6. Gundowring Fine Food ice-cream

Gundowring ice-cream comes from a historic 1840s dairying property and homestead in the Kiewa Valley of northeast Victoria. Only fresh, rich, creamy milk is used from their herd of Holstein cows, combined with regional and seasonal ingredients, including locally grown fruit, nuts and honey. The Crooke family are committed to preserving the integrity of their property through revegetation and managing biodiversity.

7. Aintree Farm almonds

Aintree Farm was established in the mid-1990s and currently has over 1,500 almond trees over 15 acres. Trinity and Mariea Richards produce a unique crop with an organic, holistic management style and have established a market for fresh almonds in local restaurants, organic stores and farmers’ markets. Every stage of production happens on the farm.

8. Herb Barn Tea

Herb Barn teas are a blend of Victorian, New South Wales and Queensland sustainable grown tea leaves. Flavoursome home farm ingredients include lemon verbena, lemon thyme, lemon tea-tree and bluegum.

9. The Terrace artisan bread rolls

The Terrace endeavours to supply its customers with fresh, seasonal local and regional produce. Our Head Chef Matthew Wright chooses to make his own rustic artisan bread and pastries from premium flour and natural yeasts, free from all additives and preservatives.

10. Tatura butter

Tatura is located in the Goulburn Valley in northern Victoria and is supplied with fresh, quality milk from 330 best practice dairy farms located within a 30 kilometre radius. Tatura combine sustainable growth in shareholder wealth and leading milk prices through an innovative dairy co-operative.

Menu by the Terrace Restaurant at All Saints Wines


2011 Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Finalists

Category Finalists

Community Action ≤ 3000

Beechworth Harvest Festival - Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee

Bio-diversity on the Capel Sound Foreshore and Chinamans Creek - Capel Sound Foreshore

Committee of Management and Friends of Chinamans Creek

Easter Hunt - Coal Creek Community Park

Gardening for a Sustainable and Resilient Community - Community Garden 3231

‘Load of Clothes’ Market - Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee

Post Flood Survival - Carisbrook Lions Club

St. Arnaud Goldfields Garden Town - St. Arnaud Community Action Network

Community Action > 3000

Dig-it for a Sustainable Future - Mornington Community Garden

Healthy Ageing Forum 2011 - Ovens and King Community Health Service

Koha Community Café - Koha Community Café Inc.

Master Cook - Horsham Tidy Town Committee

Schools Environment Week - Mornington Peninsula Schools Environment Week Inc.

The Horsham Fishing Competition - Horsham Tidy Town Committee

The Our Table to Yours / Our Garden to Yours Project - Birallee Park Neighbourhood House

Warrnambool Healthy Urban Building (HUB) Project - Warrnambool Community Garden Inc.

Western Port Festival 2011 - Hastings

Cultural Heritage

Beechworth Powder Magazine - Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee

Celebrating Inverloch’s Cultural Heritage - Inverloch Community Planning Group

Creative Village - Mallee Bush Retreat on the foreshore of Lake Lascelles - Lake Lascelles /

Corrong Committee of Management

El Dorado Museum Association Inc. - Wangaratta Community Pride Committee

Horsham Botanic Gardens - Horsham Tidy Town Committee

Second World War Honour Wall and addition of Leopard Tank to Rutherglen Rec.

Memorial Park - Rutherglen

Tresco West Bushland Reserve - Lake Boga Incorporated

Pam Keating Environmental Sustainability

Engaging Mallee Communities in Sustainable Technology - National Centre for Sustainability,

Sunraysia Institute of TAFE

Environmental Sustainability - Saint Macartan’s Parish Primary School

Mallee Bush Retreat Community Environmental Initiative - Lake Lascelles / Corrong Committee

of Management

Showing the way through Example and Education to Valhalla Winery - Rutherglen

Sustainable Workshop - Wangaratta Community Pride Committee

Wimmera Mallee Future Living Expo - Horsham Tidy Town Committee


Category Finalists

Towards Zero Waste

Eco Friendly Town - Inverloch Community Planning Group

HalveWaste - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee

Introducing Sustainable Practices - Crib Point Advisory Group Inc.

Kitchen to Compost Trial in Churchill - Latrobe City Council and Gippsland Regional Waste Management Group

Plastic Bag Free Torquay - Plastic Bag Free Torquay Inc.

The Living Bin - Recycling Food Waste in the Victorian Alps - Victorian Alpine Resorts and NevRwaste

Towards Zero Waste - Saint Macartan’s Parish Primary School

Zero to Landfill - Lions Recycle - The Lions Club of Dimboola Inc.

Protection of the Environment

Bio-diversity on the Capel Sound Foreshore and Chinamans Creek - Capel Sound Foreshore Committee of Management and Friends of Chinamans Creek

Habitat Protection Woolleys Beach Foreshore - Crib Point Advisory Group Inc.

Kill Off Pest Bee - Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee

Kyabram Drainage Basin - Kyabram Urban Landcare Group

Mt Pleasant Creek Catchment Enhancement - Mt Pleasant Creek Catchment Landcare Group

Protecting the Coastal Environs of Anglesea and Aireys Inlet - ANGAIR

Protection and Restoration of the Coastal Environment - Friends of Flinders Coastline Inc.

Snape Reserve - Dimboola Tidy Towns Committee

Wildlife - Hastings

Community Government Partnerships

Coal Creek Engagement Program - Coal Creek Community Park

Community Action: Bring the Lake Back - Lake Boga Incorporated

Community Planning Partnerships - Inverloch Community Planning Group

Crouching Emu Revegetation Project - Crouching Emu Revegetation Project Committee

Directory of Activities for Positive Ageing 2011 - Ovens and King Community Health Service

Entertaining our Community - Rutherglen

Future Directions and Planning for Poowong - South Gippsland Shire Council and Poowong Community Consultative Committee Inc.

Lake Sambell Boat Ramp, Walking Track and Amenities Block - Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee

Rainbow Caravan Park Refresher - Rainbow Town Committee


Water Conservation


Havelock Road Wetlands and Indigenous Resource Area - Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee


School Students Year 9 and 10 Regional Water Project - Horsham Tidy Town Committee

Water Conservation - Saint Macartan’s Parish Primary School

Water Conservation and School Gardening - Poowong Consolidated School


Category Finalists

Efficient Energy Colac Otway Solar Photovoltaic Bulk Buy - Colac Otway Sustainability Group Inc.

Efficient Energy - Saint Macartan’s Parish Primary School

Energy Efficiency - Horsham House - Horsham Tidy Town Committee

Engaging Mallee Communities in Sustainable Technology - National Centre for Sustainability, Sunraysia Institute of TAFE

Portland Solar Bulk Purchase Project 2010-2011 - Portland Sustainability Group

PSE Renewable Energy - Rutherglen


Young Leaders - Individuals

Alice Thwaites - Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee

Travis Robinson - Wangaratta Community Pride Committee

Young Leaders - Groups

Community Leadership - Saint Macartan’s Parish Primary School

‘Green Team’ set to Reduce School Footprint - Poowong Community Consultative Committee Inc.

Linking Environmental Community Projects to School Environmental Practices and Vice Versa - Mildura West Primary School


The Rejuven8 Project New Look Skate Park - Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee

Why we are an ‘Active School’ and why we have such great ‘Young Leaders’ Rutherglen High School Year 9 - Rutherglen

Wildlife - Hastings

Community Leadership

Carisbrook Lions Club

Horsham Tidy Town Committee

Inverloch Community Planning

Lake Boga Incorporated

Lake Sambell Management Committee

Poowong Community Consultative Committee Inc.

Saint Macartan’s Parish Primary School

Wangaratta Community Pride Committee

Warrnambool Community Garden Inc.

Wycheproof Vision Inc.

Tidy Town of the Year

Beechworth

Hastings

Horsham

Inverloch

Mornington

Wangaratta

2011 Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Finalists


Finalists Community Action ≤3000

Beechworth Harvest Festival - Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee

This feast of the North East for food and wine lovers of all varieties, is in its 21st year and represents over 60 producers from across the region. The festival involves a high level of community participation with a team of five planning for months prior and over 40 hard-working volunteers donating their time during the festival. The volunteers are central to the success of the event by assisting with tasks such as program and site decisions, raffle ticket sales and clean up. Live music, free educational demonstrations, food and wine tasting and a gala dinner are just some of the entertainment at the festival. The outcomes of the festival include promoting the sustainability of local producers, employment and tourism to the region.


These groups are partners in protecting 3.5km of Capel Sound Foreshore and 4km of Chinamans and Drum Drum Alloc Creek. The partnership successfully taps into funding sources and collaborates with several community groups. Regular fauna surveys are undertaken along the creek by zoologists and friends members and a water-watch team regularly checks for invertebrate numbers. Regular cat, fox and black rat trapping along the reserve takes place. Programs include weed control and revegetation to increase the bio-diversity of the reserve. The Friends have effectively increased the population of the rare Swamp Skink by 400 per cent on the foreshore. Various programs have achieved significant results in protecting the foreshore’s bushland and camping areas.

Easter Hunt - Coal Creek Community Park

The Coal Creek Community Park Easter Hunt held on Easter Sunday was established to offer the local community a day of family activities. Coordinated by Coal Creek, the event enlisted the help of several community and Coal Creek volunteers, as well as representatives from the Scouts, Rotary and Apex clubs. The Coal Creek Community Park was an ideal setting for the children’s Easter egg hunt as the children could safely enjoy the activities within the area. Entertainment included face painting and old-fashioned games such as hopscotch and balloon crafts. Over time, the event has grown from a small gathering for the Korumburra community into a major day for Coal Creek with the whole shire community taking part. The Easter Hunt encourages networking and relationship building through participation and shared community spirit.

132011 Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards 2011 Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards

Gardening for a Sustainable and Resilient Community - Community Garden 3231

The Airey’s Inlet Community Garden was established in 2010 through a joint collaboration with the Surf Coast Shire and the Airey’s Inlet community. With 65 members, the group provides an opportunity for people to become involved in the broader life of postcode 3231. So much has been achieved in its first year to bring the community together. Healthy food is grown at the garden by adults and children of all ages and all gardening practices are sustainable. The group encourages individuals to participate, whether they are seeking friendship or want to develop their gardening techniques. The garden facilitates community development and provides educational opportunities through workshops. Through the garden, ties have been strengthened with other community groups including ANGAIR and Red Anglesea.

‘Load of Clothes’ Market - Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee

For the second year running, Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee ran a fundraiser to encourage locals to reuse, recycle and renew. The market held at the Beechworth Memorial Hall was managed by Montessori School parents and friends, who sold quality second-hand clothing on the locals’ behalf. Clothes had to be in good condition and accessories such as shoes and bags were accepted. Proceeds from the sales were distributed, with 40 per cent going to the school and the remainder to the original owner of the items. The market was inspired by Montessori School’s environmental values and was an ethical, community-based fundraiser that brought the school community together. It was a successful event encouraging people to recycle, while helping them to recoup some money for items no longer required.

Post Flood Survival - Carisbrook Lions Club

In January 2011, Carisbrook was inundated with flood water. Around 75 per cent of houses in the small community had floodwaters of up to 1.2 metres. Immediately, the Lions Club of Carisbrook swung into action. After cooking breakfast for the evacuees in the emergency centre, the club set up a mobile kitchen in the town’s centre. Over the next 35 days, a band of volunteers provided meals for an average of 300 residents as they fought their own battles to clean out metres of mud and damaged possessions from homes. The mobile kitchen provided a meeting place for residents to talk, listen and share their ongoing traumas. Volunteers not directly cooking meals were out in the town helping with numerous jobs, including the clean-up of houses, mowing nature strips and responding to people’s requests for help.

NEWSLETTTER No.8 December 2010

Community Garden 3231Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven, Moggs Creek, Eastern View

Reflecting on our First Year by Terrence Hoffmannpictures by Trudy White

Our first year of operation has been one to remember. Westarted the year with some money from grants but no members, and a two year lease on an empty paddock. We now have a functioning community garden that is feeding at least some members and their families. Here are some of the details of the year:

There are currently 70 garden members.

The Committee decided to advertise a Family membership for next year. It will cost $60. Individual membership remains at $30.

Participation in the garden varies. 20% of members are high to very high participants. They attend most working bees and garden several times a month or more. These are the workers who have mostly built the garden.

Nearly 26% are moderate participants. They do visit the garden, but infrequently and have participated in a working bee.

14.3% are low participants visiting the garden only once or twice.

40% of current members do not visit the garden at all, yet will be made very welcome should they come. Some of these members have joined because they want to support the garden to get established and their donation has been in the form of a membership.


Community Action ≤3000 (continued)

St. Arnaud Goldfields Garden Town - St. Arnaud Community Action Network

St Arnaud is home to three unique gardens; the Queen Mary Gardens, Pioneer Park and the Wax Gardens. The gardens are the legacy of the town’s gold rush days but continue to flourish due to the ongoing cooperation of community groups, committees and the local council. The Queen Mary Gardens, conceived in 1884, are maintained by volunteers from the Friends of the Gardens and the Queen Mary Gardens Committee. Secondly, Pioneer Park was designed in the early 1900s and owes its existence to the continuing efforts of the Country Women’s Association. Finally, the Wax Gardens, pristine bushland on the edge of town, are managed by the Field Naturalists Association. All the gardens are a result of groups working closely together to maintain an important part of St Arnaud’s history.


Finalists Community Action Award > 3000


This garden has spent 10 years focusing on organic food production. Recently the group has expanded its organic food production to include community education workshops and support on sustainability and climate change. In the past year, the group conducted workshops on organic food production, local area open-pollinated seed saving, waste minimisation, water-wise gardening practices, composting, non-chemical pest and weed control and much more. The programs engage all levels of the community and a very active seed savers group currently saves 60 per cent of local, heirloom, open-pollinated seeds. Last year, the garden used a $10,000 grant from Sustainability Victoria to install solar power and water harvesting methods.

Healthy Ageing Forum 2011 - Ovens and King Community Health Service

Evidence on the increase of obesity and lack of physical activity in the older population of Wangaratta prompted action from the Ovens and King Community Health Service. By organising a Healthy Ageing Forum, the health service was able to inform the community on the importance of becoming more active and eating well. The forum attracted over 200 community members who listened to Victoria’s Health Commissioner and Eric Rosario, an 80-year-old exercise physiologist. ‘Come and try’ exercise sessions were provided on Tai Chi, Laughter Yoga, Falls Prevention and Sing Australia. Cooking demonstrations took place, with a dietician and occupational therapist on hand to answer questions. Twenty-six local organisations provided information on services to assist people to stay well, happy and connected.

Koha Community Cafe - Koha Community Cafe Inc.

For the past 15 months the Koha Community Cafe has been operating one night a week, offering high quality vegetarian meals for community members, regardless of their ability to pay or social circumstances. The cafe is a comfortable meeting place for 70 people each week from around the region. The cafe is run by volunteers aged 10 to 70 years and one paid cook. For some, volunteering has increased confidence and skills, while providing a mentoring opportunity for younger participants. Singers, musicians and dancers use the cafe to showcase their talents in the friendly atmosphere. The cafe sourced funding to run food safety classes for its volunteers and other community members. Further life skills projects, such as vegetable growing are planned to strengthen community self-reliance.


Community Action > 3000

Master Cook - Horsham Tidy Town Committee

To celebrate its 21st anniversary and raise funds, Wimmera Health Care Group ran Master Cook, a community cooking and fundraising competition. Twenty-eight teams representing businesses, community organisations, schools, clubs, families and friends competed in the cook-offs. The teams were judged on their cooking skills and the amount of money they had raised for the Foundation. Finals were held at the Wimmera Machinery Fields Days in front of a celebrity chef and large crowds with the competition culminating in a gala dinner. The group estimated around one third of Horsham’s population were involved in the Master Cook event in some way. More than $51,000 was raised and three valuable corporate sponsorships were established with businesses who have committed to ongoing support.


The 2011 Mornington Peninsula Schools Environment Week involved 2,600 participants, five programs and 32 environmental activities. Held annually since 1983, this event brings community groups and individuals together to provide a wide range of learning activities for 35 local primary schools and kindergartens. The program is developed by a committee from the region’s schools, shire and local community, along with assistance from 120 volunteers. Support and sponsorship comes from various sources including school affiliates, local community groups and companies. Environmental Week is an important part of the education calendar with the vision of connecting children to the environment, creating a sustainable future and developing positive relationships between students and the community.

The Horsham Fishing Competition - Horsham Tidy Town Committee

After six years of drought, the Horsham Fishing Competition was held. Entries of 2,200 were beyond expectations and there was a great family response to involving ‘Tiddler’ entrants aged four and under. Families and friends travelled long distances to camp along the 22km of riverbank and enjoy the event and organisers were very aware of the need to leave the river in top condition, particularly after recent flood damage. Environmentally safe bins and extensive efforts to clean-up and encourage wise rubbish disposal were implemented. The competition is one of few catch and release events, however, over a tonne of European carp were caught in the competition and taken away. Just over $70,000 was netted at the competition, with each group who helped run the event renumerated, enabling them to fund other community services.


The Our Table to Yours / Our Garden to Yours Project - Birallee Park Neighbourhood House

Our Table to Yours is a project by the Birallee Park Neighbourhood House to provide frozen meals to those in the community experiencing hardship or trauma. A large community garden provides produce and volunteers cook and freeze over 400 meals monthly. The project engages local community members in solutions to the growing need for emergency food relief and allows individuals to gain experience in assisting the community. The volunteers take pride in the depth of research they have undertaken to ensure the project’s success. The Our Table to Yours project has prompted interest from the local community on how to grow their own food at home, inspiring the Our Garden to Yours Project. The garden project has seen disabled volunteers pick up cooking skills and assisted individuals and groups to grow food locally.

Warrnambool Healthy Urban Building (HUB) Project - Warrnambool Community Garden Inc.

The Healthy Urban Building project includes a range of environmental activities, initiated by members of the Warrnambool Community Garden. The project has received funding from Sustainability Victoria and significant support from the local council and businesses. The HUB project team are currently running workshops and demonstrations in addition to retrofitting the building. The objectives of the project are to help reduce carbon emissions, build community resilience to adapt to climate change and promote new methods to achieve these objectives. Through the workshop program, people from all walks of life will be equipped with essential skills to participate in a more sustainable future and build a more resilient community.

Western Port Festival 2011 - Hastings

The Western Port Festival has been an iconic event for the Mornington Peninsula providing entertainment for over 40 years. In 2011, the Hastings Township’s 150th birthday was celebrated, attracting over 25,000 visitors to the family-friendly event. The three-day festival is waste-wise, includes sustainability messages as part of the theme and is a huge effort for the small community. The festival was promoted through a number of marketing avenues including an official website and billboards. As well as attracting locals, it was successful in drawing many visitors from the southern end of the peninsula and even some international visitors who included the event in their tour of the region. Approximately 65 community groups either had stalls or were involved in the festival’s activities and events.


Beechworth Powder Magazine - Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee

Refurbishing the Beechworth Powder Magazine with a light show and security is phase one of a new Indigo Gold Train. Built in 1859, the powder magazine is still standing thanks to council support, funding from the Victorian Government, management of the Burke Museum and many volunteer hours. Three months work went into getting the building up to scratch and ready for tourists. Day visitors can see the engineering that created this sturdy and rare building; designed so that any explosion would travel upwards rather than outwards. The main safety features can be viewed, such as wooden nails, the lighting rod and the solid outer wall. Visual and audio displays provide information about the history and the importance of the building in this historic gold town.

Celebrating Inverloch’s Cultural Heritage - Inverloch Community Planning Group

The vision for the Inverloch community plan included the celebration of the natural and cultural history of this unique township and its surrounds. The Inverloch Community Group has given priority to the management, protection and development of these intrinsic values. Natural heritage assets include the natural beauty of the Bunurong Marine and Coastal Park, famous for its dinosaur fossils, and the Anderson inlet which is a major drawcard for tourists enjoying boating, water sports and fishing. Projects to preserve the natural beauty of Inverloch include art and signage to reflect the geography and geology of the area. Work is currently underway to link the historical signage to bicycle trails and walking paths along with the preservation of the heritage Rocket Shed.

Creative Village – Mallee Bush Retreat on the foreshore of Lake Lascelles - Lake Lascelles / Corrong Committee of Management

The Mallee Bush Retreat complex offers two strong cultural heritage themes, one being the Aboriginal connection to the area and the second, a practical display of a farm as it would have looked in the early days of settlement in the village. The Creative Village Master Plan was designed to represent and capture pioneering farm heritage, allowing history to come to life. A range of unique accommodation options are offered, including silos, cow sheds, stables, a machinery shed and a limestone grain store with 33 beds available. Hopetoun’s Meeting Place murals provide a colourful portrayal of the Mallee’s Aboriginal heritage. Plaques mounted on tree stumps describe each mural and capture local Indigenous themes. Totem poles were also hand-painted by local school children on red-gums to recognise the region’s heritage.

FinalistsCultural Heritage


El Dorado Museum Association Inc. - Wangaratta Community Pride Committee

Through community efforts, the Eldorado Museum was developed in 1967 following the closure of the town’s original 1870s school. The museum tells the story of life in the town from the 1850s until the 1950s. Over 250 people and groups were involved in collecting and gathering items for display. The collection focuses on the social, farming and mining history of Eldorado and surrounds. Improvements have recently been made to the display areas and works with Parks Victoria have preserved the Tin Mining Dredge. An educational DVD, historic town walk with maps for visitors and website are just some of the activities that have been undertaken. The projects celebrate the town’s uniqueness and community pride in living in Eldorado.

Horsham Botanic Gardens - Horsham Tidy Town Committee

In 2003 the council commissioned Jill Orr-Young to facilitate the development of a new master plan for the Horsham Botanic Gardens. There were discoveries of historical significance, such as the revelation that the gardens were designed by William Guilfoyle, the designer of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Additionally, that Ernest Lord, a renowned horticulturalist, was a curator at the gardens from 1935-1945 when many of the landscape features were introduced, including the Australia map pond. Severe drought over 13 years had a detrimental effect on the gardens, but re-establishment efforts have included the redesigning of plant collections – 70 so far. Plantings at the gardens are now being recorded and educational signs erected to give the public an improved understanding of what they are viewing.

Second World War Honour Wall and addition of Leopard Tank to Rutherglen Rec. Memorial Park - Rutherglen

In the continuing evolution of the Rutherglen Memorial Park and the RSL have installed a World War II honour wall, unveiled on 11 September 2010. The wall is an honour roll of all the men and women who served in the war from the Rutherglen district. A Leopard Tank is also on display acknowledging the equipment used in recent times and is an additional memento to all people who served their country from the local district both in war and peace keeping activities. The park continually looks for new ways to educate locals and visitors, while remembering and respecting the armed services.


Tresco West Bushland Reserve - Lake Boga Incorporated

The protection and improvement program was prompted after an excursion by the Mid-Murray Field Naturalists and newspaper reports labelling the region as ‘the good, bad and beautiful’. In collaboration with the shire council and volunteers, the program works to counter the endless inroads made by vandals, dumpers, trail-bikers and invasive species. Cleanups, revegetation and placard installation are planned and ongoing. The aim is for zero waste through exclusion zones and constant monitoring. Efforts are being made to register, propagate and reinstate native species, including previously cultivated land. Constant promotion of the reserve’s restoration through the media and the council is a key element in educating local and regional communities on protecting and improving the reserve.

Cultural Heritage (continued)



To address the issue of limited access to new sustainable technologies in the remote Mallee region, the National Centre for Sustainability developed a mobile, sustainable technology trailer. Road shows have been undertaken where several schools and community groups have been visited. The trailer showcases technology such as a solar array, wind turbine, battery storage systems and a grey water system. The trailer is equipped with a weather station, internet and audio visual capabilities to engage the community interactively. Solar-powered toys are some of the gadgets to be explored. Importantly, the project has increased awareness among Mallee communities to reduce carbon emissions by providing entertaining examples of sustainable practices at work.

Environmental Sustainability - Saint Macartan’s Parish Primary School

Saint Macartan’s Parish Primary School was designed with the core theme of sustainability in mind. Significant planning has gone into providing a place of real life learning that is sensitive to the environment. Sustainable construction and functions include natural temperature control, energy saving, minimising waste and recycling. Some of the many sustainability features include sun shading devices and pergolas to ensure rooms receive winter sunshine and cut out solar radiation in summer. Energy waste is minimised by the use of daylight and movement sensors. In summer, when the external night temperatures are lower than internal building temperatures, purging fans drive out the internal warm air to the outside of the building. Cool, night air is drawn into the building in preparation for the day ahead.

Mallee Bush Retreat Community Environmental Initiative - Lake Lascelles / Corrong Committee of Management

The design of the Mallee Bush Retreat incorporated sustainability by using several recycled materials including tree trunks, iron and limestone in the construction. The Lake Lascelles / Corrong Committee of Management continues to regularly undertake tree planting to improve the environment and aesthetics of the Lake. The committee recently used funding obtained in 2010 to hold information sessions on the energy efficient retrofit of homes and businesses and to install an interactive solar power system that provides renewable energy for the community-owned Mallee Bush Retreat Buildings. A solar hot water service for the amenities block is to be fitted at Lake Lascelles. This will serve as an educational tool for the community and visitors to the area as electricity generated by the system will be displayed for the public.

Finalists Pam Keating Environmental Sustainability


Pam Keating Environmental Sustainability (continued)

Showing the way through Example and Education to Valhalla Winery - Rutherglen

Winemaker Anton Del Popolo and his wife Antoinette own a sustainability-centric winery in Rutherglen and enjoy engaging the community by showcasing their practices. Everything at Valhalla Wines is recycled from waste water in the cellar door and grapes by producers in the winery, down to using recycled paper for business stationery. Powered by green energy, the winery was built from straw bales, while wine boxes and bags are made from recycled cardboard. Each year the couple share their desire to live sustainably by staging the ‘Green Living Fair’. This free community event educates and showcases alternate energy and building materials, worm farming permaculture and regional food and wine.


Mal Robinson, of Robinson’s Truck and Coast Maintenance, has constructed a self-sustaining, environmentally-friendly workshop in Wangaratta as part of his goal to reduce his impact on the environment at a local level. Mal has implemented a number of techniques including the crushing, draining and recycling of fuel and oil filters. The filter waste is stored to be either picked up and environmentally disposed of, or used in a gun fired boiler to heat the floors, creating a more comfortable environment for staff. An Australian manufactured water-oil safe waste separator has been installed to prevent any environmental detriment from accidental spillages or overflows to the local waterways. Installed rainwater tanks save the facility from using commercial water.

Wimmera Mallee Future Living Expo - Horsham Tidy Town Committee

In 2010, Horsham Rural City Council worked in conjunction with the Wimmera Mallee Sustainability Alliance to host the first Wimmera Mallee Sustainability Expo. The purpose of the event was to promote sustainable regional products and services with perceived social, economic and environmental benefits to local residents and the wider regional community. Examples of products and services available or on display during the two-day event included renewable energy, organically grown produce, waste reduction and ecologically sustainable design. It was estimated that over 2,000 community members visited the site. Additionally, a formal dinner was held and attended by 130 guests, breaking new ground to bring together local, regional and internationally recognised sustainability champions.

For more information about the Wimmera Mallee Future Living Expo, please contact:

Dean Robertson or Sarah Sanders Wimmera Mallee Sustainability Alliance Hindmarsh Shire PO Box 250, Nhill, Victoria, 3418.

P: (03) 5391 4417 F: (03) 5391 1376 M: 0400 908 346 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.wmsa.org.au/expo.htm

Please visit the website for regularupdates on speakers and exhibitors

Proudly presented by:

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A regional event combining information, demonstration and participation to

inform, consult and engage individuals, householders and businesses in

contributing to a sustainable future

WIMMERA MALLEE

FutureLivingExpo

FREE ENTRY

5th & 6th November, 2010HORSHAM COLLEGE HALL

Dimboola Road, Horsham

This event is run as part of the Sustainability Action in Wimmera and Southern Mallee Households project, supported by the

Victorian Government Sustainability Fund


Eco Friendly Town - Inverloch Community Planning Group

Inverloch is gaining a reputation as an eco-friendly town by working towards zero waste through a number of initiatives. To encourage a plastic-bag-free town, the Inverloch Community Planning Group sewed material bags from donated materials such as sheets and distributed these widely encouraging others to use the pattern to create more. The group works alongside council to improve recycling methods and instigate a green waste household garbage collection. Rubbish bins in public areas have been duplicated to enable the separation of recyclables and general waste. Pollutant traps have been installed on storm water drains to prevent waste washing into the waterways. The community’s efforts to establish Inverloch as an eco-friendly town has attracted ‘green’ businesses to the area and encouraged others to take action.

HalveWaste - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee

Beechworth, along with Indigo, Wodonga and Towong Shires are trialling a weekly green waste-organics collection service, HalveWaste, as part of the NevRwaste initiative. The 16-week trial aims to divert organic material, including food waste and garden prunings. Trial participants will receive a 240 litre wheelie bin for green waste and organics, a kitchen tidy bin and corn starch bags along with instructions for using the bins. The 240 litre green waste bins will be collected weekly and the existing 140 litre bin collected fortnightly. The quantities and types of waste will be measured in the green bin and existing rubbish bin. The trial, in conjunction with the NevRwaste campaign, will bring businesses, schools and residents together to face the region’s waste challenges head-on, reduce emissions from methane gases and decrease waste to landfill.


The Crib Point Primary School community actively works towards sustainable practices through leadership opportunities, curriculum choices, facilities and the student wellbeing program. Student leaders play an active role in composting the students’ food scraps, monitoring and reducing energy use in lights, air conditioners and computers, as well as paper-recycling and reduction of water waste. The school’s sustainability efforts have been demonstrated through the installation of a 92,000 litre rain water tank to flush toilets and a successful application to receive a $50,000 Solar Schools grant. Construction has begun on an outdoor sustainability education space involving a composting and propagation area. Students at the school study their local environment focusing on geography, native flora and fauna and the effects of erosion.

Finalists Towards Zero Waste


Kitchen to Compost Trial in Churchill - Latrobe City Council and Gippsland Regional Waste Management Group

Gippsland Regional Waste Management Group, with the support of Latrobe City Council, is running a six-month ‘Kitchen to Compost’ trial in Churchill to divert food waste from landfill. Approximately 1,800 Churchill households received a free ‘BioBin’ and specially designed compostable liners which, once filled with unwanted, cooked, raw and spoiled food, are deposited into the green organics bin for kerbside collection. Prior to the trial, an average four kilograms of food waste per household was discarded into landfill each week, costing council more than $500,000 per year. A mid-trial audit has found a 50 per cent reduction in food waste in the rubbish bins. The trial’s outcome could see councils’ reducing their environmental footprint with less organic material to landfill and low-tech composting ultimately reducing transport costs.

Plastic Bag Free Torquay - Plastic Bag Free Torquay Inc.

In June 2010, members from the Torquay community came together to begin the Plastic Bag Free Torquay Campaign. The coastal town saw an opportunity to give back to the ocean by helping to eliminate plastic litter from the marine environment. Banning single use plastic shopping bags is a small but significant step in this direction. The first part of the campaign involved liaison with local retailers to seek their feedback on the possibility of becoming plastic bag free, identifying any potential barriers they may see and offering assistance in terms of researching alternatives. Community discussion has been initiated through a website, Facebook page, petition, bumper sticker and postcard distribution. Two ambassadors were recently appointed to the program; Geelong Cats captain Cameron Ling and professional surfer Jack Perry.

The Living Bin - Recycling Food Waste in the Victorian Alps - Victorian Alpine Resorts and NevRwaste

The four North East resorts in the Victorian Alpine region are active members of NevRwaste and strive to improve and lead innovation in waste management practices within their environments. Funding sought from Sustainability Victoria in 2009 led to the commencement of the project to work towards zero waste. Positive outcomes have included over 70 tonnes of organic waste being diverted for recycling in the first year. The Living Bin project, encouraging the use of green bins for organic waste, had 134 participants—80 of those were commercial operators. Information sessions and distribution of awareness collateral was used to engage the resort community. Collected data indicates there is an improved attitude to reducing waste, with an eight to 10 per cent increase in recycling across the resorts.

Towards Zero Waste (continued)


Towards Zero Waste - Saint Macartan’s Parish Primary School

When St Macartan’s Primary School moved location in 2009, it was decided that the new site would provide an ideal opportunity to launch a fresh approach towards zero waste. Each classroom was allocated a custom-made waste collection centre which included four bins for food waste, paper recycling, mixed recycling and rubbish. The lunch bell is rung 10 minutes early to allow for eating indoors, so there is no need for bins in the school yard. Every day, each classroom empties its bins at a central waste depot which consists of four corresponding bins. There has been a significant reduction in waste production, an improvement in the students’ healthy eating habits and an increase in consumer awareness. The school has reduced its landfill to approximately 40 grams per student per day.

Zero to Landfill - Lions Recycle - The Lions Club of Dimboola Inc.

The Lions Club of Dimboola Inc. has a small membership of 14 volunteers that are leading the community in moving towards a zero waste township. The Lions collect cardboard from shops, schools and deliveries from Nhill, which they then press and truck to Melbourne for recycling. The Lions conduct a monthly paper drive, where residents leave their bundled paper on the nature strip to be collected and sent to Melbourne. Plastic is balled and trucked by the Lions, who also collect and sell used batteries. The Dimboola transfer station collects televisions and farm chemical containers to be recycled, while concrete is crushed to be reused again. The town is plastic bag free and almost all residents shop with reusable shopping bags.

Photo curteous of Ann Killeen and photographers in Rutherglen.


Finalists Protection of the Environment


The Committee of Management and Friends are partners in protecting the Capel Sound Foreshore and 4km of Chinamans and Drum Drum Alloc Creek. Fauna surveys are undertaken along the creek by zoologists and friends members and the water-watch team regularly check for invertebrates. Cat, fox and black rat trapping along the reserve also takes place. Other programs include weed control and revegetation to increase the bio-diversity of the reserve and orchid recovery is being carried out to save six species of native orchids. The SKINK LINK plan has successfully increased the population of the rare Swamp Skink by 400 per cent on the foreshore. The programs have achieved significant results in protecting the foreshore’s bushland and camping areas.

Habitat Protection Woolleys Beach Foreshore - Crib Point Advisory Group Inc.

Residents have been caring for the 5.2km of coastline of Woolleys Beach Reserve since 1952. The area has a biodiversity of flora and fauna including the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot and Swamp Skink. Up to 89 species of birds frequent the area with six of these listed as international migratory birds. Crib Point Stony Point Foreshore Committee is part of a joint initiative with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, private land owners, along with Balnarring and Point Leo Foreshore Committees undertaking fox control and a black rat eradication programs. Volunteer committee members and local residents conduct monthly working bees to manage invasive weeds. The Foreshore Committee operates the Stony Point Caravan Park which is currently undergoing a major upgrade with extensive revegetation to provide habitat for small mammals in the region.

Kill Off Pest Bee - Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee

A campaign led by Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee member, Jodie Goldsworthy, to eradicate the Asian Bee was put to Parliament House after the Federal Government cut funding for the original project. The Asian Bee is currently contained in Cairns, however, there remains a risk of entry into Victoria or New South Wales. The insect steals honey from hives and threatens to reduce the number of European honey bees, which would have dire consequences for the honey industry and food producers. Fewer European honey bees would result in less plants being pollinated and therefore a reduction in the volume of food produced in Australia. In May 2011, the Victorian Minister for Agriculture and Food Security announced support for the issue and Jodie Goldsworthy flew to Cairns immediately to undertake ground work for the eradication.


Kyabram Drainage Basin - Kyabram Urban Landcare Group

The Kyabram Urban Landcare Group has maintained the Kyabram drainage basin, 70 acres of shire-owned land, for the last 10 years. The group spends significant amounts of time working at the site free of charge. Several revegetation activities are carried out including ground preparation, planting, guarding and watering. Volunteer labour is actively sought by the group and includes local schools, youth training programs, a community youth work order group, scouts and brownies. The group has trialled direct seeding and the use of native grasses and has enhanced remnant vegetation by planting understorey species. Educational and community visits are hosted by the group for schools from surrounding towns and the Rotary group study exchange from the USA. Weeds are chipped out including Bathurst burr, bindii, couch grass and declared noxious weeds.

Mt Pleasant Creek Catchment Enhancement - Mt Pleasant Creek Catchment Landcare Group

This group has a strong focus on the protection and enhancement of the Mt Pleasant Creek catchment which feeds into the Campaspe River, North of Runnymede. The group engages the community in projects that raise awareness of environmental matters within the region, while working closely with local land owners and farmers. There have been major projects the group have worked on in the catchment area and in Toolleen including revegetation, weed control, fencing off areas to allow for growth, pest elimination and erosion control. The group takes pride in nurturing and improving the aesthetics of the regions for locals and visitors. The community are regularly invited to witness activities like the direct seeder in action and are encouraged to participate in planting days.

Protecting the Coastal Environs of Anglesea and Aireys Inlet - ANGAIR

Anglesea, Aireys Inlet Society for the Protection of Flora and Fauna (ANGAIR) was formed in 1969 and is dedicated to protecting the indigenous flora and fauna and natural beauty of the coast between Anglesea and Aireys Inlet. Significant work has been undertaken in the last year to protect the area with projects such as the propagation of over 3,000 indigenous plants for the new primary school in Anglesea. The plantings involved students and volunteers at a community planting day organised by ANGAIR. A successful Wildflower Weekend and art show provided an opportunity to educate locals and tourists about the environment. Three working bees were held each month focusing on weed control and revegetation on public land, making use of state government grants. ANGAIR is self-funded through 600 member subscriptions.


Protection and Restoration of the Coastal Environment - Friends of Flinders Coastline Inc.

Since 2004, Friends of Flinders Coastline Inc. have been improving vegetation on both the bay and ocean beach coastal precincts. The group works at two sites on alternate fortnights and has ongoing support from Mornington Peninsula Shire and Parks Victoria. Achievements include the clearing of a very large area of woody weeds and introduced grasses and the planting of thousands of local indigenous plants, contributing to significant regeneration. In 2008, the group restored a another area on the Golf Links Road, a tourist scenic drive, which is still being maintained in memory of a late member. The improvement to the coastal environment enhances the experience of visitors to Flinders Beach and the group is supported by donations from local organisations.

Snape Reserve - Dimboola Tidy Towns Committee

Snape Reserve is a parcel of farmland which was abused by detrimental farming methods, but rescued by the Snape Reserve Trust. The Friends of the Snape Reserve have rejuvenated the land with the planting of native shrubs and trees, resulting in birds and wildlife returning to the area. Natural drinking stations for the animals have been built. There is an office complex on site where visitors can view different species of fauna and flora which grow on the reserve, along with before and after pictures of the volunteers’ work. Member Lindsay Smith is very passionate about the area and is happy to give visitors a rough four wheel drive tour of the land. There are many projects planned for the further protection and enhancement of the reserve.

Wildlife - Hastings

The Hastings Wildlife program was created in response to issues identified by the Hastings Neighbourhood Renewal initiative. The renewal initiative showed that community connections, the environment and local youth were important issues. Activities focused on creating awareness about Indigenous culture and the environment. Young people participated in a camp along the Balnarring foreshore campground where they had the opportunity to partake in a presentation from a wildlife rescue worker who brought in two baby possums. A tree planting session and walk along the boardwalk through the wetlands, revegetation works and habitat creation were also a part of the experience. Environmental related outcomes included linking young people with volunteer opportunities, wildlife rescue and Warringinee tree planting.

Protection of the Environment (continued)


Coal Creek Engagement Program - Coal Creek Community Park

The Coal Creek engagement program began through discussions with the co-ordinator of Coal Creek and the Principal of the Korumburra Secondary College. Objectives were devised to encourage disengaged students into meaningful work, education and connections with the community by using the community facility of Coal Creek. The program was jointly managed by the school, a registered training organisation, FSLearning and Coal Creek Management. Eleven students participated in 2010, with more than half receivng a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management. The Korumburra community, parents and the school embraced the program, which saw a number of truant male students contribute to the maintenance and upkeep of Coal Creek. This early success has seen the program grow and continue in 2011.

Community Action: Bring the Lake Back - Lake Boga Incorporated

After a terrible drought causing Lake Boga to dry up in 2007, a committee of locals formed Lake Boga Inc. to focus on cleaning the lake bed in preparation for new growth. Tractors were organised with bins provided, while hundreds of people attended numerous working parties to remove debris from the lake bed. The group has taken on the role of manager of the Lake Boga Community Plan. The plan lists eight key projects that the township wish to achieve including environmental plans, youth priorities and upgrades to community facilities. Lake Boga envisions the development of an economically strong and vibrant community through the encouragement of investment and development in residential and business enterprises of the region.

Community Planning Partnerships - Inverloch Community Planning Group

This community planning group has been a strong supporter of the establishment of the Inverloch community hub. The hub is a multi-faceted partnership between a number of government agencies, Bass Coast Shire Council and the community. The objective of the hub is to have a place to gather, to access a wide range of services and promote activities. Partner contributions were sourced from council, the Victorian Government, a community support fund, Small Town Development Fund and the modernising neighbourhood houses grant. Since the development, library use statistics have increased by 13 per cent for book users and 28 per cent for personal visits in the first year. Another community planning initiative partnership has also seen the protection of the surf life saving clubhouse.

Finalists Community Government Partnerships


Community Government Partnerships (continued)

Crouching Emu Revegetation Project - Crouching Emu Revegetation Project Committee

This project was launched in December 2006 to meet environmental and community objectives. The establishment of an environmental corridor and enhancement of the town entrance are two of the projects achieved to date. The project committee includes representatives from Greater Shepparton City Council, Department of Primary Industries, Dhurringile and District Landcare Group, Dhurringile and District Local Area Plan, Tatura Revitalisation Committee, Generations Church ACC and the Goulburn Murray Landcare Network. Support from landholders, Tatura’s schools and the community has been vital to the success of the project. As has the role of the council’s field crews and the Mission Australia National Green Jobs Corps crew. Outcomes also include improved community education and awareness.

Directory of Activities for Positive Ageing 2011 - Ovens and King Community Health Service

In 2010, Oven and King Community Health Service and the Rural City of Wangaratta identified there was a need for a community directory booklet for the local aged population. The health service and council collaborated on redesigning, updating and publishing new version of the 2008 directory. The directory covered five categories in which people could access organisations to be; active, creative, social, a volunteer and a learner. The content was designed in consultation with local government, physiotherapists and dieticians. A competition was held in the community to design the cover and to name the new directory. Community members are now better informed and able to find services and organisations that are relevant and currently on offer.

Entertaining our Community - Rutherglen

Arts Rutherglen has operated for six years to bring arts, fun and events to the annual calendar. Rutherglen Memorial Hall was refurbished through commonwealth, state and local government funding. Due to budget constraints, further funding was sought to implement improved audio and visual equipment at the hall. Arts Rutherglen took on the fundraising role to purchase and install sound and lighting—vital to arts events in Rutherglen. The hall is important to the community as Arts Rutherglen runs a variety of events to bring outside entertainment to the community as well as acknowledging local achievements. The program includes several events such as International Woman’s Day and a Literary Lunch. The group caters community functions, has a membership of over 60 people and is overwhelming supported from the town and region during events.


Future Directions and Planning for Poowong - South Gippsland Shire Council and Poowong Community Consultative Committee Inc.

This partnership works towards significant community improvements, many of which relate directly to local government planning. A community plan launched in 2010 is currently under review by committee members and the council. Recently, the committee represented the council during two overnight visits by the Australian Mobile Homes Association, distributing carry bags containing tourism information on the region and completing other hosting duties. The committee continues to represent Poowong in the Hills Cluster a community building initiative, involving Bena, Lock and Nyora working together on regional projects. Grant funding was recently applied for by the committee on behalf of the Hills Cluster for the production of a tourism brochure.

Lake Sambell Boat Ramp, Walking Track and Amenities Block - Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee

Lake Sambell Management Committee has dedicated 21 years to developing the Lake Sambell Reserve as a recreation area for the enjoyment of the Beechworth community and visitors. During the last year, Indigo Shire and the committee have completed a number of projects to improve the Lake and its surroundings. These include a renewal of the boat ramp and the installation of a canoe launch facility funded by a grant from Marine Safety Victoria. The committee, Beechworth Lions Club and four international visitors spent three weekends landscaping and planting native species at Sandy Beach and making improvements to the walking track around the Lake. The projects were funded by the Victorian Government Small Towns Development Fund and the committee’s fundraising and in-kind support.

Rainbow Caravan Park Refresher - Rainbow Town Committee

Rainbow Caravan Park is located in the township at the edge of Lake Hindmarsh and is a central point for travellers to the Southern Mallee. The park has 12 powered sites, two caravans dating back to the 1970s and several non-powered sites. The community, caravan park caretakers, volunteers, Hindmarsh Shire Council and the Department of Environment and Sustainability have worked together to install new caravan power heads, a barbeque and shelter. Revitalised garden beds, landscaping and new signage, were the finishing touches on the improved amenity of the park. The Rainbow Town Committee completed a website in June 2008 and contributed significantly to a new Hindmarsh tourist brochure.



Mornington Peninsula Schools Environment Week was developed by a committee with members from schools, the shire council, the Department of Sustainability and Environment, the Indigenous and local communities. Since inception in 1983, the event has been a partnership between the Mornington Peninsula Shire and the school community. The program has grown from an expo week held at the shire depot to a five program event held at the shire’s Briars Historic Park at Mount Martha. Shire staff on the committee assisted using their knowledge, networks to community groups and links to sponsorship opportunities. Environment week is not only entertaining and educational, but a chance for schools, the local community and the shire to network and develop a stronger voice on sustainability and the local environment.

Community Government Partnerships (continued)


Finalists Water Conservation


The Mornington Community Garden has spent 10 years primarily on organic food production. However, in recent times the group has provided education and support in the areas of sustainability and adaptation to climate change. In the last year, the group has conducted workshops focusing on projects that include water conservation and use of water-wise gardening practices. Last year the group used a $10,000 grant from Sustainability Victoria to tap into a storm water drain and harvest water that would otherwise flow into the sea. Following the completion of this infrastructure, which involves many other environmentally sustainable assets, the community garden will be a self-sufficient retreat, serving both members and the wider community.

Havelock Road Wetlands and Indigenous Resource Area - Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee

Beechworth has a number of water saving initiatives in place that reduce pollutants entering the local waterways. Indigo Shire has responsibility for maintaining clean waterways and streets, including street sweeping programs and the installation of litter traps on stormwater drains. A part of the Beechworth’s stormwater management is the wetlands project next to Spring Creek in Beechworth. The wetlands are helping to ‘clean’ stormwater runoff before the water runs into the creek and river system. The wetlands are designed to give nutrient or sediment laden stormwater a long, slow path through a densely planted treatment environment before it flows into Spring Creek. An Indigenous resource area showcases Indigenous plants with traditional uses including feature plantings forming a trail representing a journey taken by many Aboriginal groups.


The Crib Point Primary School community actively works towards good sustainable practices through leadership opportunities, curriculum choices, facilities and the student wellbeing program. Student leaders play an active role in activities including water conservation techniques. One example is the reduction of water waste by using collected water from under the taps to water the gardens. The school’s efforts to conserve water have been demonstrated through the installation of a 92,000 litre rain-water tank to flush toilets. The school is actively tapping into funding grants for a water, solar and sustainability centre. The school has a natural setting where students can explore the surroundings of native flora and fauna and learn about protecting and sustaining their environment.


Water Conservation (continued)


The Horsham Tidy Towns Committee is working with Year 9 and 10 students across the region on a water project. Through research and reports, students are empowered with knowledge to become ambassadors for future sustainable water usage. The project challenges students’ thinking about their current water use as an individual, as part of a local community environment and in consideration of the impact on Australia. This year’s theme revolved around climate change and each school was set a task to research water use and historical data to consider if climate change will impact on future water use in their area. The participating schools came together in June at a conference at the University of Ballarat Horsham Campus to share their projects.

Water Conservation - Saint Macartan’s Parish Primary School

At Saint Macartan’s Parish Primary School, water conservation is an important component of student life. Twelve water tanks with a combined capacity of 160,000 litres collect water to flush toilets while timer taps ensure water wastage is minimised. The grounds are heavily mulched and planted with indigenous and native plants requiring minimal watering. A $5,000 grant from Landcare and Melbourne Water will be used to create a rain garden, reducing runoff of untreated stormwater into the wider drainage system. Students will be involved in the creation of an integrated system of natural swales and a wetland to produce an environmentally sensitive rain garden designed to filter and treat stormwater as it runs off and is collected. Benefits from the swales will include protecting the catchments and improving the natural environment for frogs.

Water Conservation and School Gardening - Poowong Consolidated School

Poowong Consolidated School has three water tanks to aid water conservation. One large 60,000 litre tank is used for school toilets, gardening and emergency access for the local CFA. The two other tanks were installed in 2010 as part of the Building the Education Revolution program and hold 22,000 litres each. At present, the overflow from all three tanks goes into the waterways and ends up in the Bass River. Students are encouraged to use water wisely by placing ice-cream containers under the drinking taps to catch the excess water which is then used on the garden. Students are required to use the half-flush in the toilets and there is attentiveness within the school to ensure leaking taps are reported to the principal.


Colac Otway Solar Photovoltaic Bulk Buy - Colac Otway Sustainability Group Inc.

This solar bulk buy project was instigated by 100 expressions of interest from local people to partake in a solar mass purchase after a community-led solar power information night. The level of interest resulted in the formation of the Colac Otway Sustainability Group Inc. to help drive community-led sustainability initiatives. Solargrain won a tender to install 100 systems prior to the end of the financial year to utilise Federal Government rebates. The solar bulk buy resulted in 320kW capacity with an average system size of 3.18kW – way above the state average of 2.2kW. This was due to people being knowledgeable on how to make solar power support their energy needs. Partakers have saved up to $3,500 on their installations and will, on average, halve their household greenhouse gas emissions.

Efficient Energy - Saint Macartan’s Parish Primary School

Saint Macartan’s Primary School has a 5.4kW solar panel system which has generated 5MW since installation. The school was designed and constructed on a sustainability platform and it was always considered essential to integrate as many energy saving techniques as possible. The energy generated by the panels is logged by school computers and shown on a digital visual display at the school entrance. The Student Energy Team instigated the NO POWER HOUR to educate the community about how they could make a difference when they turned off unnecessary appliances. Calculations revealed that during the NO POWER HOUR, a 15kW reduction in energy consumption was achieved. Students calculated that the school could reduce its carbon footprint by 4,620 kilograms of carbon dioxide if this was implemented daily. Intelligent temperature control systems at the school also save energy.

Energy Efficiency - Horsham House - Horsham Tidy Town Committee

Horsham House has approached sustainability by dramatically reducing direct energy and water consumption while minimising waste. Its energy efficient actions from 2006-2010 concentrated on thermal management of guest rooms, hot water and laundry processes. These have involved installation of new generation technologies such as a heat recovery ventilation system. The results are a 33 per cent reduction in electricity consumption, saving 24MWh and 34 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Due to a developing reputation as a green business, there has been an increase in business activity of 21.5 per cent. Despite this increase, annual electricity usage increased by just 15.7 per cent, demonstrating a five per cent energy intensity reduction. New appliance upgrades such as televisions are all selected for energy efficiency.

Finalists Efficient Energy



To address the issue of limited access to new sustainable technologies in the remote Mallee region, the National Centre for Sustainability developed a mobile, sustainable technology trailer. The trailer is a demonstration unit for renewable energy technology and water recycling and has been used in a series of road shows that visits schools and community groups. It showcases a solar array, wind turbine and battery storage system while educating in an interactive way. There is an opportunity for people to learn from demonstrations on how solar power and wind energy work. The project has increased awareness among Mallee communities on how to reduce carbon emissions by providing practical and entertaining examples.

Portland Solar Bulk Purchase Project 2010-2011 - Portland Sustainability Group

The Portland Solar Bulk Purchase Project was a community based and encouraged Portland residents to install rooftop solar electricity systems. Systems proposed were 1.5 – 5kW and sourced from one tendering company. The goal was to install over 100 systems for a total installed capacity of 150-200MW. The project proved to be even more successful than predicted, with a local company new to solar successful in winning the contract. The total number of participants was capped at 200 systems. Through community education programs, the average sized system became much larger than hoped and the total installed capacity was 700MW. The project has been significant in helping to drive the message that the Portland region is a hub for renewable energy.

PSE Renewable Energy - Rutherglen

PSE is an established business in Indigo Shire with 23 years experience in the electrical and communications field, servicing local industries such as Nestle and the Department of Primary Industries. PSE recently changed their focus to include renewable energy and to become eco-smart accredited. Training by PSE promotes the design and installation of sustainable and energy efficient electrical installations. PSE has been active in connecting the market through a solar grid which involves education, evaluation, design and installation of domestic and commercial systems. Solar grid connections provide clients with a reduction in their electricity account and the knowledge that they are reducing their individual impact on global warming. Internally, PSE management have assisted and encouraged employees to install solar systems at their residences.

Efficient Energy (continued)



Mal Robinson, of Robinson’s Truck and Coast Maintenance, has constructed a self-sustaining, environmentally-friendly workshop in Wangaratta as part of a goal to reduce his impact on the environment at a local level. The initiative has focused on reducing the waste that his business produces while incorporating water saving and energy saving techniques. One example is the crushing, draining and recycling of all fuel and oil filters. The oil and fuel waste is stored to be either picked up and environmentally disposed of, or used in a gun fired boiler to heat the workshop floors, creating a more comfortable environment for staff. The facility’s hot water is solar operated and Mal is in the process of purchasing and installing a 5kW system of solar panels to service the general energy requirements of the workshop.


Alice Thwaites - Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee

Twenty year old Alice Thwaites, a former Beechworth Secondary College student, has been involved in environmental and humanitarian work from an early age. Alice was elected as a delegate to represent Australia at the G20 Youth Summit in Paris in May-June this year. Alice spoke about the environment, global governance, establishing green economics and how to finance environment projects. Alice is involved in the Oaktree Foundation in Albury/Wodonga and is in her second year at the Australian National University completing Asia-Pacific studies. Her humanitarian work has included teaching English at Atauro Island in East Timor. Peter Douglas, of the Ovens and Murray newspaper, said that Alice has decided to focus on the ‘how’ when solving world problems, rather than just noting that they exist and require change.

Travis Robinson - Wangaratta Community Pride Committee

Travis is a Head Boy Prefect at Wangaratta High School and has shown initiative in actively caring for the environment in his local community. He has involved himself with the Wangaratta Community Pride Advisory Committee, helping to organise various environment awareness events such as My Backyard Rules and the Community Pride Awards. Travis helped facilitate the school’s involvement with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition’s ‘Meet Your Member’ campaign in which he gathered over 200 signatures from the school community. He was then an ambassador for the campaign and met with his local Federal Member for Parliament, Sophie Mirabella, to express the youth view in the region on climate change. He has volunteered for the Rural City of Wangaratta’s Deliberative Democracy Citizen’s jury, National Tree Planting Day and Clean Up Australia Day.

Finalists Young Leaders - Individuals


Community Leadership - Saint Macartan’s Parish Primary School

Saint Macartan’s Primary School has a refreshing way of ensuring leadership is inclusive for all students by having different levels and areas of leadership for their student groups. There are five main areas of leadership; environment systems, health and wellbeing, social justice, communication and projects. This year there are 23 school leaders who work in these five groups. The various themes focus on sustainability, wellbeing of the school community, faith and social justice issues, engaging the wider community and guiding school projects. The school has sustainability teams across the areas of water, waste, energy and biodiversity, where 40 students contribute to the education of the community. The leadership roles enable students to feel empowered so they can take action and make a difference for the future.

‘Green Team’ set to Reduce School Footprint - Poowong Community Consultative Committee Inc.

At Poowong Consolidated the students have lots of opportunities to develop leadership skills. This year, 11 Grade 5 students went to a workshop at the Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies in Melbourne to learn more about environmental sustainability. At the workshop they were trained to be leaders of sustainable projects for the school. They collaborated and planned how they could reduce energy and introduce environmentally friendly changes to the school’s current practices. Techniques such as turning off lights when they are not necessary, introducing a recycling system, the development of vegetable gardens and the establishment of an orchard have been important changes. As a result of the student’s interest in caring for their environment, they have now formed the ‘Green Team’.

Linking Environmental Community Projects to School Environmental Practices and Vice Versa - Mildura West Primary School

This school has a commitment to teaching students about their environment through authentic learning experiences. The four pillars of their environment program are waste, water, energy and biodiversity. The community based program involving five student action teams and a sustainability ambassadors team, engages students in community environmental projects that moves learning beyond the school gate. The action teams of pest busters, revegetation, biodiversity, litter control and recreation management contribute to caretakers of riparian zones. The sustainability ambassadors provide peer teaching at environmental days. The students link school practices to the community through rubbish free Wednesdays, Clean Up Australia programs and recycling milk bottles for furniture.

Finalists Young Leaders - Groups



The Horsham Tidy Towns Committee is working with Year 9 and 10 students across the region on a water project. Through research and reports, students are empowered with knowledge to become ambassadors for the future of sustainable water usage. The project challenges students’ thinking about current water use and impacts on the environment. This year’s theme was climate change and each school was set a task to research water use and historical data to consider if climate change will impact on future water use in their area. The schools came together at the University of Ballarat Horsham Campus to report on their projects. Similar programs are now being undertaken at other Victorian schools inspired by the students’ active interest in the project.

The Rejuven8 Project - New Look Skate Park - Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee

January 2011 saw the official opening of the upgraded Beechworth Skate Park, a project that was largely driven by local young people. The Rejuven8 project was led by Beechworth youth, Ollie Payne, Reuben Jenkins and Sam Matthews. After identifying that the existing skate bowl did not meet the needs of the community, the young people approached council for support and worked hard to see the project get off the ground. They were involved in all aspects of the project such as fundraising, design and consultation. Funding of $145,000 was made up of $81,000 from Indigo Shire Council, $60,000 from the Victorian Government and $4,500 from community fundraising led by the young people. The skate park opening was a huge success with an attendance of 300 young people.

Why we are an ‘Active School’ and why we have such great ‘Young Leaders’ Rutherglen High School Year 9 - Rutherglen

Rutherglen High School implements several programs to develop leadership qualities in their students. A Year 9 Connect program requires students to participate in one community service of their choice, such as assisting primary schools in athletics or Meals on Wheels for the elderly. The school’s animal nursery encourages students to take responsibility by having them organise and operate days where children can come and pat the animals. The animal nursery is a huge fundraiser that helps fund the schools Farm to Table class. Earlier this year, six students attended a nine week leadership camp, where they learnt to become more independent and to work as a team. The students looked after themselves including washing their own clothes and built a strong community bond through activities like mountain expeditions.

Young Leaders - Groups (continued)


Wildlife - Hastings

The Wildlife program was created in response to issues identified by the Hastings Neighbourhood Renewal initiative connecting the community, environment and local youth. One of the objectives was to build and strengthen relationships between peers, family and community members. Young people participated in a camp along the Balnarring foreshore among wildlife where they participated in two sessions of martial arts therapy gaining skills in anger management, self discipline, respect and positive role modelling. Other sessions included survival skills with shire rangers where they built a shelter and learnt how to make handmade compasses. Outcomes included linking young people with volunteer opportunities and educating participants on how to be good role models.


FinalistsCommunity Leadership

Carisbrook Lions Club

In January of this year, Carisbrook was inundated with 1.2 metres of flood water to 75 per cent of houses in the small community. Immediately, the Lions Club of Carisbrook swung into action. After cooking breakfast for the evacuees in the emergency centre, the club set up a mobile kitchen in the centre of town. Over the next 35 days, a band of volunteers provided meals for an average of 300 residents as they fought their own battles of cleaning out metres of mud and possessions from dwellings. The mobile kitchen provided a meeting place for residents to talk, listen and share their ongoing traumas. Volunteers not directly cooking meals were out doing numerous jobs including the clean-up of houses, mowing nature strips and responding to people’s individual needs.

Horsham Tidy Town Committee

To celebrate its 21st anniversary and raise funds, the Wimmera Health Care Group ran Master Cook, a community cooking and fundraising competition. Twenty-eight teams representing businesses, community organisations, schools, clubs, families and friends competed in the cook-offs. The teams were judged on their cooking skills and the amount of money they had raised for their foundation. Finals were held at the Wimmera Machinery Fields Days in front of a celebrity chef and large crowds. By orchestrating a competitive event for everyone to enjoy, the group was able to engage the community and involve an estimated one third of Horsham’s population. Their initiative raised more than $51,000 for the foundation and three valuable corporate sponsorships were established with businesses who have committed to ongoing support of the foundation.

Inverloch Community Planning

This group has shown leadership by effectively engaging with the community at large. The group collaborates with stakeholders to establish a vision for the community, tackling issues, developing priorities and implementing projects to meet the set objectives. As a diverse community of residents, absentee holiday owners and visiting tourists, leadership that engages the varying interests is very important. Collaborating with multiple stakeholders to reach the community vision has been significant. Achievements arising from the group’s leadership include the development of the Inverloch community hub and the surf life saving clubhouse. The construction of amenities such as footpaths on the foreshore and managing revegetation initiatives are other projects that help to improve community life.


Lake Boga Incorporated

After a terrible drought causing Lake Boga to dry up in 2007, a committee of local people came together to form Lake Boga Inc. The group had the aim to prepare the lake bed in preparation for new growth. Tractors were organised with bins provided, while hundreds of people attended numerous working parties to remove debris from the bed of the lake. The group has taken on the role of manager of the Lake Boga Community Plan. The plan lists eight key projects the township to be achieved, including environmental plans, youth priorities and upgrades to community facilities. Lake Boga Inc.’s vision is to see the development of an economically strong and vibrant community through the encouragement of investment and development in residential and business enterprises of the region.

Lake Sambell Management Committee

The Lake Sambell Management Committee was formed in 1990 and is made up of 12 community members. The committee values the habitat of the reserve and works to maintain and enhance this environment, while engaging the community. The committee is guided by a detailed Lake Sambell Planning and Design manual, produced after consultation with the community, providing planning and design guidance at all levels. Some of the committee’s achievements include the planting of 2,000 trees propagated from locally collected seeds and the installation of an outlet valve to control water, weed growth and to encourage fish breeding. The committee organised the lake to be drained for community clean up day where 167 people attended. The committee’s ongoing developments and leadership are driving change on the reserve and in the community.

Poowong Community Consultative Committee Inc.

The Poowong Community Consultative Committee Inc. has built strong links with the South Gippsland Shire during a recent planning process to set robust foundations for the township’s growth. The committee assisted the Energy Innovation Co-operative to publicise and present a solar energy information session in Poowong. The committee has liaised with the Environmental Protection Authority to ensure a community forum will be held to discuss impacts which may result from the expansion of a local abattoir. Other projects surround promoting issues within the community and enhancing the region to be a better place to live by working closely with community groups. The committee’s monthly publication of the Poowong Press and the publication of a 2011 directory keep community members informed.


Community Leadership (continued)

Saint Macartan’s Parish Primary School

St Macartan’s Parish Primary School’s leadership program has been integral to the successful implementation of sustainability at the school. The school has a refreshing way of ensuring leadership is inclusive for all students by having different areas of leadership within program groups. There are five areas of leadership; environment systems, health and wellbeing, social justice, communication and projects. This year there are 23 school leaders who work across these areas. The various areas focus on sustainability, wellbeing of the school community, faith and social justice issues, engaging the wider community and guiding school projects. The school has sustainability teams across the areas of water, waste, energy and biodiversity where 40 students contribute to the education of the community.

Wangaratta Community Pride Committee

Since 1998 the Wangaratta Community Pride Committee has met community needs by leading the way in activities and building a strong partnership with council. For the last six years, the committee has encouraged businesses, schools, groups and individuals to enter the KABV Awards. The aim is to continue the theme of community leadership and involvement, for example, the committee organised a 2011 Volunteer Expo during National Volunteers Week. The initiative resulted from a survey of 43 community groups, with 16 positive responses received for this event to go ahead. Sustainability groups and other worthy organisations were involved, each having a display table and other features such as slide show presentations. The Expo provided a doorway to information through workshops and networking, and the opportunity to celebrate with other volunteers in the region.

Warrnambool Community Garden Inc.

The Healthy Urban Building (HUB) is a project initiated by members of the Warrnambool Community Garden Inc. and is based around a range of activities conducted from a portable retrofitted classroom. The project has received funding from Sustainability Victoria and significant support from the local council and businesses. The HUB project team are currently running workshops and demonstrations in addition to retrofitting the building. The objectives of the project are to help reduce carbon emissions, build community resilience to climate change and promote new applications of these concepts in the community. Through the workshop program, people from all walks of life are equipped with life-essential skills to participate in a sustainable future and build a more resilient community.


Wycheproof Vision Inc.

Wycheproof Vision Inc. represents the community in developing projects and strengthening social infrastructure. After 10 years of drought followed by floods, the work of this group became vital in ensuring the survival of the town. There are many projects the group are currently involved in, for example, the group is managing the business incubator shop. Other activities include publishing a monthly newsletter, the Wycheproof Festival, a community kitchen and the $1 rent a farmhouse project. Their efforts to promote the benefits of rural living have proved successful with a 25 per cent increase in school enrolments and the population beginning to grow again, rather than decline. Community groups have had a boost in membership and new businesses and shops have opened in the town.


FinalistsTidy Town of the Year

Beechworth

Beechworth has had a long tradition in its association with the Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards, both as Indigo Shire and the previous United Shire of Beechworth. Along with Beechworth’s Tidy Town Committee and Indigo Shire, the community is dedicated to a strategic approach to the principles of sustainability – reflected in several new initiatives implemented this year. The community-run festivals engage the community and give those involved a sense of belonging and ownership. The Lake Sambell Management Committee is one of many groups that partnered with the council to undertake the monumental task of beautifying an old mining site and turning it into a lake. The tradition of Beechworth and Tidy Towns is set to continue with the town’s youth now taking up the mantle.

Hastings

Hastings is involved in sustainability development and promotion, most prominently through events and programs. The Western Port Festival has been an iconic event for the peninsula providing entertainment for over 40 years. In 2011, the Hastings Township’s 150th birthday was celebrated, attracting over 25,000 visitors to this family-friendly festival. The three day event was a huge effort for the small community and waste-wise with several sustainability messages as part of the theme. The Hastings Wildlife program was created in response to issues identified by the Hastings Neighbourhood Renewal initiative connecting the community, environment and local youth. Activities in the program resulted in creating awareness about Indigenous culture and environmental issues. Young people camped along the Balnarring foreshore amongst wildlife where they learnt about volunteer opportunities from local people.

Horsham

Horsham has flown the tidy town flag by encouraging sustainability and community spirit, involving council, schools, community groups and the local people. Horsham House represents businesses making changes for the future through investing in sustainable practices. The Horsham Tidy Towns Committee is working with Year 9 and 10 students across the region to empower them with knowledge to become ambassadors for the future of sustainable water usage. Horsham Rural City Council worked with the Wimmera Mallee Sustainability Alliance to host an expo to promote regional sustainable products and services. The Horsham Fishing Competition returned this year after six years of drought and was key to promoting community spirit, as was the Wimmera Health Care Group’s highly popular Master Cook competition.


Inverloch

Inverloch is gaining a reputation as an eco-friendly and sustainable town thanks to the efforts of several community groups and the region’s council. The Inverloch Community Planning Group has headed a number of projects, while always engaging the community. The development of the Inverloch community hub and the surf life saving club house is just a snapshot of work completed. The community hub provides a place for the community to gather and access a range of services and activities. Efforts to become a plastic-bag-free town demonstrate an ongoing commitment to making changes for the future. The groups work closely with the council to improve recycling methods. Work has also been done to promote and preserve the cultural heritage in the township and its surrounds.

Mornington

Mornington has active community groups, individuals and a committed council that protects the environment, promotes the region and implements sustainable initiatives. The Mornington Peninsula Schools Environment Week started in 1983 and is an educational event that gives local schools, the community and the shire a stronger voice on sustainability and the local environment. The Mornington Community Garden has in recent times provided education and support in sustainability and adaptation to climate change. In the last year, the group has conducted workshops including organic food production, local area open-pollinated seed saving, waste minimisation, water-wise gardening practices, composting, non-chemical pest and weed control and much more. Other groups, in partnership with the shire, work towards the preservation and enhancement of the region’s coastline.

Wangaratta

Wangaratta has seen multiple initiatives from all levels of the community that demonstrate sustainability, protection and enhancement of the town. The Wangaratta Community Pride Committee has led the way in meeting community needs via a number of initiatives. For the last six years, the committee has encouraged the community to enter the KABV Awards. The committee organised the 2011 Volunteer Expo during National Volunteers Week which provided a doorway to information through workshops, networking and the opportunity to celebrate with other volunteers in the region. The Ovens and King Community Health Service orchestrated a community Health Ageing Forum and produced an informative directory for the older population. Several individuals have demonstrated sustainability through local business practices or positive behaviour in the community.

Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria

Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria (KABV) has a proud history of encouraging and 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.

Now part of Sustainability Victoria, KABV is maintaining its respected grass-roots heritage and securing a strong future.

KABV is part of a national network, with representation in all states.

The Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards recognise the many different ways that metropolitan and beach communities have taken action to protect and enhance their environment.

In addition to the Sustainable Cities, Clean Beaches and Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards, KABV offers a range of other programs.

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.

Adopt a Roadside gives groups the opportunity to help restore and maintain sections of their local arterial road network, protecting environments and increasing community pride and ownership.

Clean Site aims to reduce environmental impacts from building sites by working with builders and tradeworkers to reduce waste, keep waterways clean and recycle materials.

MembershipTo become a member of KABV or for more information about these programs, please contact us on (03) 8626 8700 or visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/kabv


Recommend a Friend!With your help, KABV continues to recognise the work of every city, every beach, every town, every day. Do you know of a great initiative that could be entered in the KABV Awards?

Benefits include:

• Increased community participation and ownership in local environments.

• Increased local tourism and media coverage.

• The opportunity to represent Victoria at the National Keep Australia Beautiful Awards.

• Access to the broad networks of Sustainability Victoria.

Importantly, it’s a chance to recognise the hard work that is happening in your communities every day.

Do you know someone who might be interested in KABV?

Tell us about it! Email details to [email protected]

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RECOMMENDA FRIEND

Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Urban Workshop Level 28, 50 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Ph: +61 (03) 8626 8700 Fax: +61 (03) 9663 1007 Email: [email protected]

sustainability.vic.gov.au/kabv

Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities · 2011 Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards 7 1....

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