Keep Australia Beautiful has announced the Victorian finalist Beechworth as the winner of the 2020 Australian Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns Awards, at an online event held on 14 October 2020.

Running nationally since 1990, the Australian Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns Awards have evolved to encompass projects and initiatives with a focus on environmental sustainability and resource management to reflect a growing awareness of the importance of community-led environmental action. They set out to acknowledge the hard work undertaken by individuals and groups in rural communities and share these best practices and ideas to improve Australia’s vibrant rural towns. The awards consist of nine special category awards followed by an overall National winner.

Traditionally, the 2019 overall winner, Santa Teresa (Ltyentye Apurte), Northern Territory, would have hosted year’s awards event. Due to the unprecedented circumstances brought on by COVID-19 pandemic, however, the 2020 Awards Ceremony was held online.

Beechworth was also awarded winner of the Dame Phyllis Frost Litter Prevention, Environmental Sustainability – Energy, and Environmental Communication and Engagement category awards.

Australian Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns judge Gail Langley sad the town – with a population of 4,566 (at the time of entry) – won three of the nine categories and scored highly in the remaining six categories.

“The Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee demonstrate their dedication to the community and sustainability as a priority, all year round – every year”, added Ms Langley.

“They have become an outstanding example of a community demonstrating consultation and collaboration to implement and succeed with their undertakings.”

Val Southam, Chief Executive Keep Australia Beautiful commended all the finalists in this year’s Awards.

“Entrants in the Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns competition, who are largely volunteers, are some of the most dedicated and passionate people we are fortunate enough to be involved with.

“Every year, we are inspired by the high calibre of entries demonstrating enormous community pride and environmental action. This year, under such challenging circumstances, this dedication, community spirit and commitment truly shone through.

The winners’ book and photographs are available at www.sustainablecommunities.com.au.

Australian Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns Winners Table 2020