Keep Australia Beautiful has announced the Tasmanian finalist Smithton as the winner of the 2018 Australian Tidy Towns Awards, at an event hosted by last year’s winner Barmera, South Australia on 6 April 2018.

Running nationally since 1990, the Australian 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 recognise the hard work undertaken by individuals and groups in rural communities, and share these best practices and ideas to continue to improve our vibrant rural towns.

Smithton was also a joint winner Community Action & Wellbeing; Environmental Sustainability and Young Legends. They were also highly commended in Heritage & Culture.

Australian Tidy Towns judge Gail Langleysaid, “Smithton is a highly driven community with determination to pinpoint and address issues. The parties involved with projects are highly motivated and demonstrate a sense of dedication to each other and to achieving their set goals.”

Val Southam, Chief Executive and Executive Director, Keep Australia Beautiful said, “The finalists in the Tidy Towns competition, who are largely volunteers, are some of the most dedicated, passionate and colourful people in all the Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Communities awards programs.

“Year upon year we see a high calibre of community action that allows all Australians to aspire to be tidy Aussies.”

The two-day event included a tour of Barmera that showcased some of the town’s excellent projects, which contributed to their win last year; highlights from Gail Langley’s judging tour; finalist’s presentations; as well as opportunities, which allowed representatives the chance to share information and network with like-minded communities from around Australia.

The winners book is available at kab.org.au.