Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria would like to thank

Category sponsorPackaging Stewardship Forum

Independent judgesDavid MoncrieffTerry O’BrienHorrie PoussardRobbie RaeRon WilliamsonBrian WinchTony Wissenden

SupportersCadburyJamies Fine DressingsLarkmen NurseriesPuffing Billy RailwayPoll’s Echidnas

Event suppliersSaxtonPixel CreativeJimmy Johnson SculpturesTuscan on Calder CateringSilver Moon EventsCreatologyWycheproof VISIONVideo Dynamics

Printed by Impact Digital – 100% carbon neutral company.

Sustainability VictoriaLevel 28, Urban Workshop50 Lonsdale Street Melbourne 3000T 1300 363 744E info@sustainability.vic.gov.auwww.sustainability.vic.gov.au

DisclaimerInformation in this document is current as at October 2013. While all professional care has been taken in preparing this document, Sustainability Victoria accepts no liability for loss or damages incurred as a result of reliance place upon its content.

Minister’s Foreword

Victoria is leading the way on litter prevention demonstrating what community, government and business can achieve by taking a cooperative approach to managing the environment.

The Victorian Government is committed to creating a safer, healthier environment for all Victorians and we are delivering a number of initiatives through our Victorian Litter Strategy 2012-14.

Through the strategy we have:

Offered $1.6million in grants program funding with a focus on roadside litter prevention and improving recycling in public places in regional Victoria.

Continued delivery of the KABV community volunteer programs: Stationeers and Adopt a Roadside

Trialled a summer litter campaign to educate Victorians about the consequences of litter and encourage the reporting of litterers to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria

Delivered an illegal dumping program to tackle dumping at charitable recyclers Conducted research to better understand littering and illegal dumping behaviours.

We recognise that community is integral to the success of litter prevention programs and greater community engagement will increase action at a local level. Key to achieving this is to provide a platform that rewards and recognises the vital work of communities. The Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria (KABV) Awards program does just this.

For over 40 years KABV has been celebrating the sustainable actions taken every day by Victorians across our state. The KABV Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards, now in their 31st year, recognise and reward positive actions taken by regional Victorian communities to protect and enhance their local environment.

Each year Tidy Towns entrants submit projects that have led to positive changes to make their towns more sustainable, tidy and liveable. Many Victorians have volunteered their time to ensure their local vision comes to fruition. I applaud these individuals and groups for their passion and effort. Without this sense of environmental citizenship, Victoria would not be recognised as a leader in litter prevention.

The Victorian Government remains committed to investing in and growing regional and rural Victoria to create new opportunities and a better quality of life. I am proud to congratulate the 2013 Tidy Town of the Year winner, Wangaratta, as well as all category winners and finalists.

The Hon Ryan Smith MP

Minster for Environment and Climate Change

Keep Australia Beautiful now and forever

Every day around Victoria, thousands of people contribute to projects that conserve, protect and enhance their local environments through the Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria (KABV) program.Each one of those people will tell you that the contribution they make, the friendships they develop and the recognition they achieve are personally very satisfying and provide an enormous sense of community spirit.

KABV was founded 45 years ago by Dame Phyllis Frost - a woman renowned for her commitment to the environment and community.

Dame Phyllis thought that by creating Keep Australia Beautiful civic pride would be reignited. And she was right. Today, the programs of KABV are managed by Sustainability Victoria and reach 225 communities, 70 towns and cities, and involve 2200 volunteers each year.

KABV incorporates awards and volunteer programs that recognise and reward councils, community groups, schools and individuals.

The Sustainable Cities and Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Awards involve local people and their councils, increasing council-community partnerships and genuine ownership of local environments. Unlike other award programs, every project is visited and assessed by a trained, independent judge.

KABV volunteer programs including Stationeers and Adopt a Roadside connect people in practical and positive ways.

The Stationeers program improves the look and feel of railway stations across Victoria by encouraging and supporting enhancement work undertaken by volunteers. The Adopt a Roadside program aims to reduce litter on Victoria’s roadsides to stop pollutants from entering local waterways, improves the quality of vegetation, and prevents soil degradation and erosion.

Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria celebrates and encourages the sustainable actions undertaken by Victorian people and communities every day. For now and forever.

Wycheproof: 2012 Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards winner

Wycheproof is a small regional town in the north west of Victoria and is home to about 700 people. In 2012 the town was named Victorian Tidy Town of the Year at the Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria (KABV) Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards.

Wycheproof VISION is the voice of residents, community groups and businesses. They liaise closely with organisations, government and other stakeholders for the protection and advancement of environmental and community assets, social and lifestyle opportunities and sustainability of the town as a whole. The 15 strong volunteer member group meet monthly to discuss current issues and problems and develop new projects using the Wycheproof VISION Community Plan as a guide.

The range of projects tackled is wide and varied, depending on the need and passions of the community. Over the past few years the projects have included the $1 Rent a Farmhouse Project, successfully keeping towers and antennas off Mt Wycheproof, developing a bi-annual Festival, producing a monthly community newsletter and developing a precinct around the restored historic Wycheproof Station.

Working under the Wycheproof VISION banner are a number of other groups including the Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Mt Wycheproof and the Swimming Pool Committee. This structure frees smaller groups up from onerous paperwork and finance obligations, while still remaining accountable and sustainable.

Wycheproof VISION supports the range of skills that members offer and the group regularly draws upon helpers beyond the immediate membership. The group works closely with the Wycheproof Community Resource Centre to research and apply for grants. Wycheproof Vision invite community groups and other organisations to meetings to ensure communication between stakeholders continues to be transparent and inclusive.

Owing to the local agricultural industry and the nature of lean seasons, the reuse of materials and sustainability is an integral part of life for people living in the Mallee region. The KABV Awards has provided Wycheproof with the momentum, framework and recognition to continue working towards the ideals of an enhanced community experience and protection of the local environment.

Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards 2013 category winners, finalists and highly commended recipients

Tidy Town of the Year 2013WangarattaBeechworthCampaspeHastingsHorshamRye

Dame Phyllis FrostJames Douglass

Active School Kaniva CollegeWhitfield District Primary School (Highly Commended)Beechworth Tidy Towns CommitteeDartmoor Primary SchoolMildura West Primary SchoolSt Augustine’s College, KyabramSt Joseph's, Crib Point

Clean BeachHorsham Tidy TownsCorangamite Catchment Management AuthorityDimboola Tidy TownersRyes Up Community and Traders

Community Action Leadership (population 3,000 and below)Hastings Community HouseBeechworth Tidy Towns Committee (Highly Commended)Avenel Stationeers GroupDartmoor and District Progress Association Inc.Dimboola Tidy TownersPentland Hills Landcare GroupRyes Up Community and Traders

Community Action Leadership (population above 3,000)Bass Coast Shire CouncilCoal Creek Community Park and MuseumWangaratta Community Pride Committee

Cultural HeritageVietnam Veterans Association and Seymour Historical SocietyMilawa Heritage Group (Highly Commended)Rutherglen Primary School and St Mary’s Primary School (Highly Commended)Wycheproof VISION (Highly Commended)Bass Coast Shire CouncilBeechworth Tidy Towns Committee (entry 1)Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee (entry 2)Coal Creek Community Park and MuseumDimboola Tidy TownersEl Dorado Museum AssociationRyes Up Community and TradersYurunga Homestead Committee of Management

Government PartnershipsPentland Hills Landcare GroupCrouching Emu Revegetation Project Committee (Highly Commended)

Ryes Up Community and Traders (Highly Commended)Corangamite Catchment Management AuthorityHorsham Tidy TownsOxley Residents AssociationRyes Up Community and Traders

Litter PreventionWestern Port Secondary College, HastingsHorsham Tidy Towns (Highly Commended)Bass Coast Shire CouncilDartmoor and District Progress Association IncRyes Up Community and TradersShire of CampaspeWangaratta Sustainability Network

Pam Keating Environmental SustainabilityWannon Water (entry 1)Beechworth Tidy Towns CommitteeWangaratta Sustainability NetworkWannon Water (entry 2)

Protection of the EnvironmentGunbower Landcare GroupBeechworth Tidy Towns CommitteeCrouching Emu Revegetation Project CommitteePentland Hills Landcare GroupRutherglen Tidy Towns CommitteeSt Joseph's, Crib PointWestern Point Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Resource Recovery and Waste ManagementHorsham Tidy TownsBeechworth Tidy Towns CommitteeKaniva CollegeShire of CampaspeSouth Gippsland Shire Council Sustainability TeamSt Augustine’s College, Kyabram

Young LeadersMooroopna Secondary CollegeHorsham Tidy TownsWangaratta Youth CouncilWestern Port Secondary College, Hastings

Gift Fund PrizeBeechworth – Lake Sambell Management CommitteeSt Joseph’s, Crib Point – Mangrove RegenerationWycheproof VISION – Railway Place

WinnerTidy Town of the Year 2013

Wangaratta

Wangaratta is located in north east Victoria and is home to over 27,000 residents. The town attracts thousands of visitors annually to its festivals and to enjoy the clean rural city with many surrounding natural features.

The Rural City of Wangaratta is retro-fitting council buildings with solar panels and is striving for a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2016. To encourage sustainable living within the community, the council’s Eco Living Centre provides advice to the public on sustainable building practices and gardening options. There is also a purpose built trailer for use at meetings, expos, markets, schools and to take to the surrounding rural communities of Wangaratta to educate and advise on sustainable building and gardening.

The Wangaratta Youth Council works alongside the Rural City of Wangaratta to support and consult with young people, council and community on youth events and activities. The Youth Council encourages leadership and the promotion of environmental awareness.

The community of Wangaratta is sharing their history to ensure the region’s heritage is preserved. The Milawa Heritage Group researched the history of the Oxley Plains, the original name of the area, and published the book - About a Mile Away - a comprehensive account of the region from 1824 to 2012.

The book appeals to descendants of the early settlers, historians and residents. The Eldorado Tourism Group has also shaped heritage walking trails with information panels to tell the rich history of Eldorado.

Over 90 volunteer community groups work to organise town tourist attractions and enhance events to ensure visitors have a lasting impression of Wangaratta’s community pride and friendliness. Rivers, creeks, billabongs and native habitat surrounding the city are maintained and supported by many volunteers, school programs and council.

The Wangaratta Community Pride Committee (WCPC) nurture civic pride by initiating and coordinating a range of activities. They deliver education programs for litter prevention and sustainability in schools and in the community. WCPC run events during National Volunteers Week to honour the many volunteers who help to make Wangaratta the beautiful city it is today.

FinalistsTidy Town of the Year 2013

BeechworthSituated in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range in north east Victoria, the Beechworth community have a strong sense of commitment and pride and are involved in a broad range of initiatives to ensure a sustainable future. The Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee, the Indigo Shire Council and the community are committed to taking a strategic approach to sustainability.

Beechworth has a rich and varied history and a strong desire to retain its heritage. The community is friendly, enthusiastic and dedicated to caring for their unique environment while encouraging business to develop and thrive in a sustainable manner. Numerous volunteer environmental community groups work in partnership with the Indigo Shire Council and effectively contribute to enhancing and protecting the environment.

Newly completed projects include the opening of Silver Banksia Walk - a story guided creek side walking path, and the fully restored 1857 Christ Church with its refurbished heritage pipe organ.

CampaspeThe Shire of Campaspe covers 4,525 square kilometres and the heritage is firmly founded in the natural environment, healthy soils, productive land, flowing rivers, clean air and water. The council and an active community of volunteers work together to protect biodiversity and the natural environment.

To reduce waste to landfill, council engaged 370 homes to participate in a trial to collect food scraps and garden waste. This household waste is then collected by a council organics waste bin. If the trial is successful the intention is to introduce the program throughout the community.

The Gunbower Landcare Committee and the Gunbower and District Development Committee work together to deliver presentations that highlight the unique qualities of the woodlands and waterways to local community, schools, authorities and surrounding districts. An active Landcare Group is also located in Echuca.

Hastings Picturesque Hastings in Western Port Bay is located on the eastern side of the Mornington Peninsula and covers just over 600 square kilometres. The natural features include the Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve, the Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens,  Boggy Creek, Kings Creek and Warringine Park.

The community of Hastings takes great pride in maintaining the environment. This is seen in the many projects undertaken by schools, community, friends and scout groups. Western Port Secondary College’s active student environment group work with local council and schools to reduce litter, encourage composting and recycling. The students from St Joseph’s School have undertaken a mangrove revegetation program. The Warringine Park and walking track and the Connecting King Creek project involve community groups actively working together to create stunning conservation and recreation facilities.

HorshamThe Wimmera town of Horsham is Victoria’s most successful Tidy Town winning the KABV title five times. In 2001 they also won the KAB National Tidy Town of the Year Award. The individuals, groups, service clubs, media, business and council continue to work together to create a sustainable community that residents are proud of. The successful ongoing programs include litter management and prevention with the “Don’t Rubbish Horsham” slogan.

To reduce landfill the Grampians Regional Waste Management Group is running a trial program to crush broken glass, add it in premix concrete and use it as footpath replacement in Horsham. The “Blue Frog” symbol is encouraging staff at Wimmera Health care to reduce energy use and to promote recycling throughout the facility. Horsham schools are committed to becoming more sustainable. Horsham West and Haven Primary Schools have the Reuse, Reduce and Recycle formula for materials use and also a successful gardening program.

RyeThe township of Rye on the Mornington Peninsula celebrated its 152nd birthday in 2013. Originally a farming and fishing town, today Rye is a destination for thousands of holiday makers and campers in summer and an increasing number of tourists in winter. The input of community groups to assist in new initiatives and the upkeep of existing services and facilities has contributed enormously to attracting visitors to the township.

Community groups including Rye’s Up Community and Traders Association, Rotary and Lions Clubs, Rye Historical Society and the many sports and social clubs along the Mornington Peninsula have been instrumental in ensuring the township is vibrant, clean and tidy.

WinnerDame Phyllis Frost Award

James DouglassJames (Jim) Douglass has been active in preparing entries for the KABV Tidy Towns Awards for more than 10 years. During this time Jim has worked tirelessly to promote the work carried out by the communities of Greater Shepparton and the City of Mooroopna. Jim has always worked to help children and youth develop and grow through education and recreation.

In the course of his work with the Kiwanis service club Jim introduced the Early Learning is Fun program to the area to start families reading from an early age. He also works on committees to improve facilities for toddlers in kindergartens and children in primary schools. Jim helps learner drivers to log enough driving hours to go for a drivers licence test.

Jim’s passion has been to lead the community in support of youth at Mooroopna Secondary College where he has been a committee member since 1972. Jim has always believed that with education and guidance young people can be successful in adult life. The Mooroopna Secondary College Principal, Gary Fletcher, said Jim is passionate and utterly committed to the community and that his work at Mooroopna has been outstanding, “Jim’s total commitment has been to giving young people the best opportunities to succeed in life... most importantly he is passionate about Mooroopna; his love and devotion to this community is amazing.”

Community members take a lot of pride in Mooroopna, ‘‘The club is very proud of what we do in Mooroopna and the actions of our community... we like to promote Mooroopna as much as we can,” said Jim.

Jim’s community commitments include:

Charter member Apex - President 1970 Charter Member Mooroopna Kiwanis since 1978 and still an active board member Kiwanis club president 1998 and 2010 Mooroopna Masonic Lodge Master 1991-1992, 1996-1997 Mooroopna Recreation Committee of Management from 1976 and still an active member,

president for three years in the 1980s and still an active member Secretary Mooroopna Post Primary Committee - secured the high school for Mooroopna

1968-1972 Committee Member of Mooroopna Secondary College from 1972 to present Chairman Mooroopna Secondary College co-op since 1970s to present Chairman of Fundraising Committee for new Scout Guide Gall in Mooroopna in 1980s Member of Mooroopna Historical Society Fundraising Committee Member of Mooroopna Steering Committee and involved in preparing the Community Plan Member of Shepparton RSL National Service Committee member Board member of Blue Light Disco from 2006 to present and arranged 10 discos per year Worked at Ardmona Food products for 40 years Berry Street L2P Driving Programme (drive with young people to build driving hours for

licence) Kiwanis Division 7 Eliminate (A global campaign to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus) -

co-ordinator for eight groups K-Kids Kiwanis Mooroopna Park Primary School – from 2010 to present.

WinnerActive Schools

Kaniva CollegeYour Waste, Someone's Treasure

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Kaniva College is a school committed to environmental sustainability. The students are active throughout the community and supported by West Wimmera Shire Council to collect discarded bikes, gardening equipment, sporting goods, computers, clothing, phones and books.

Bikes are repaired and some are sold to fund spare parts for restoration of other items. Shipping containers are used to send restored goods to Africa and East Timor - over 80 computers and 100 bikes have already been sent. Decommissioned books from Kaniva and Bordertown schools and libraries are collected and distributed to underprivileged schools – so far over 10 tonnes have been collected.

Materials for textiles and woodwork classes are sourced from recycled items and the school stores unwanted timber for future use by students and the community. Construction of a 2500m2 community-college vegetable garden has begun, watered by stored captured water, to supply the college and community volunteers with produce.

FinalistsWhitfield District Primary School Sustainable Living EverydayHighly commended

Beechworth Tidy Towns CommitteeWooragee Primary School

Dartmoor Primary SchoolLive Well!

Mildura West Primary SchoolStudent Voice = Action = Win for the Environment

St Augustine's, Kyabram Recycling Rewards Slash Waste

St Joseph's, Crib PointMangrove Regeneration

WinnerClean Beach

Horsham Tidy TownsLet the Clean Up Begin

Ten kilometres south east of Horsham, Green Lake is enjoyed for recreation, water sports, fishing, swimming and tourism. Severely affected by drought, in 2001 the lake totally dried up. The lake was severely affected by drought in 2001 and totally dried up.

The Green Lake Action Group organised several working bees with local and passionate lake users to clean up the foreshore and banks. Meetings were held with Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and GWMWater to discuss environmental and safety issues.

Up to 70 people arrived at the final working bee: young and old armed with rakes, chainsaws, mowers, wheelbarrows and utes. The fire brigade assisted, children gathered sticks and pinecones, and the community provided cakes and cold drinks. The sandy natural beach was cleared and hand-raked.

The excitement of the lake filling inspired the community to continue improving the facilities and council installed new picnic settings. Now, locals and tourists can again enjoy Green Lake.

FinalistsCorangamite Catchment Management AuthorityEstuaryWatch

Dimboola Tidy TownersGet Fit or Just Relax on the Wimmera River Banks

Ryes Up Community and TradersJunior Sailing

WinnerCommunity Action Leadership (population 3,000 and below)

Hastings Community HouseGuinness World Record - Hastings Community House

In 2013 a curious and cross-generational community creature was born in the Western Port region.

This project, culminating in a Guinness World Record breaking 1,768.8m long toy snake, brought together 16 Western Port schools, home-bound elderly residents, nursing home residents, and numerous enthusiastic individuals in an unprecedented way. Volunteers of all ages knitted or sewed 1m x 22cm segments that were then joined together and stuffed to form the snake. For home-bound residents, materials were dropped in and finished work was collected. Residents in nursing homes who struggled to join regular volunteer activities worked together to produce their sections. Materials, information and encouragement were passed from one group to another through the process and are now embodied in the world’s longest toy.

But the snake’s community spirit lives on… the next step is a deconstructive one: to break the snake down to produce comfort toys for children and draft stoppers for local residents.

FinalistsBeechworth Tidy Towns CommitteeChrist Church Restoration Highly commended

Avenel Stationeers GroupAvenel Station Garden

Dartmoor and District Progress Association Inc.Working Together

Dimboola Tidy TownersPavers and Signage

Pentland Hills Landcare GroupMyrniong and District Landholder Expo

Ryes Up Community and TradersLions Club Contributions to Rye

WinnerCommunity Action Leadership (population above 3,000)

Bass Coast Shire CouncilThe Shearwater Festival

Each year up to one million Shearwater (Biyadin) fly 15,000 km from Alaska to return to Phillip Island to breed. These birds and eggs were once a food source to local Indigenous people and are part of Indigenous culture. In recent times this avian migration has sparked cultural exchange between schools on Phillip Island and in Alaska.

The Shearwater Festival, auspiced by the Aboriginal Corporation of Languages and supported by Bass Coast Shire Council, was devised to educate and instigate a local reconciliation plan between Indigenous and other Australians.

The festival included ranger-led walks to observe the birds returning to their nests in the evening and then back out to sea at dawn. It also included displays of art, photography, textiles and sculpture as well as music, poetry and dance performances at the Nobbies Centre (showcasing Australian fur seals and overlooking Bass Strait). Indigenous dancers prepared a Shearwater inspired dance and songs were written and performed in the local Boonwurrung Indigenous language with translations provided by local elders.

FinalistsCoal Creek Community Park and MuseumA Question of Honour

Wangaratta Community Pride CommitteeVolunteer Extraordinaire

WinnerCultural Heritage

Vietnam Veterans Association and Seymour Historical SocietyStage 2 of the Vietnam Veterans Walk / Military Heritage Weekend

The Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk (VVCW) in Seymour allows visitors to walk through a soldier’s journey from enlistment to the harsh battlefields of Vietnam.

The installation features digi-glass panels to honour the 62,100 Australian service men and women who served in the Vietnam war. With meandering pathways the landscaped area is reminiscent of Vietnam. A replica of the Luscombe Bowl (the famous concert space in Vietnam) and a memorial cairn and lighting systems come together to honour the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans.

The VVCW was officially opened in March 2013 in front of visitors and dignitaries from across Australia. It was launched as the centrepiece of the community-driven Seymour Military Heritage Weekend that attracted 7000 people. The VVCW adds to Seymour’s rich military heritage and visitors can learn about this important part of Australian history.

FinalistsMilawa Heritage GroupAbout a Mile Away - The Heritage of the Oxley PlainsHighly commended

Rutherglen Primary School and St Mary’s Primary SchoolThe Unrevealed Secrets of HistoryHighly commended

Wycheproof VISIONThe Passing Parade - Debutante Ball PublicationHighly commended

Bass Coast Shire CouncilThe Shearwater Festival

Beechworth Tidy Towns CommitteeRail to the Past

Beechworth Tidy Towns CommitteeChrist Church Restoration

Coal Creek Community Park and MuseumRestoration of K Class Loco, First and Second Class Carriages, Guards and ZL Van

Dimboola Tidy TownersStep Back in Time

El Dorado Museum AssociationTelling the Stories

Rye's Up Community and TradersLooking after Rye Cemetery

Yurunga Homestead Committee of ManagementYurunga Homestead, Rainbow - Bush House Restoration

WinnerGovernment Partnerships

Pentland Hills Landcare GroupMyrniong and Korkuperrimul Creeks Biolink

The Myrniong and Korkuperrimul Creeks Biolink Project is a community led project linking Werribee Gorge to Lerderderg-Wombat Forest. The biolink will follow 33km of creek line from the slopes of Mount Blackwood in the north to the Werribee River and Werribee Gorge Park in the south.

The Pentland Hills Landcare Group (PHLC) is managing the $1.7million project in partnership with Melbourne Water, the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Vision for Werribee Plains and Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Management Authority’s Grow West initiative.

PHLC have engaged the community in all aspects of governance and leadership. In the first year 20 landholders joined the project and revegetated 15km of water ways. The project assessed levels of rabbit threat and baseline survey measurements of stream water health, plants and mammals, birds and macro invertebrates.

This project is one of many initiated and led by PHLC demonstrating the capacity of the group to undertake large, practical environmental projects.

FinalistsCouching Emu Revegetation Project Committee The Crouching Emu Revegetation, TaturaHighly commended

Ryes Up Community and TradersForeshore Community PlaygroundHighly commended

Corangamite Catchment Management AuthorityEstuaryWatch

Horsham Tidy TownsHaven

Oxley Residents AssociationOxley Memorial Park Redevelopment

Rye's Up Community and TradersRye Gift

WinnerLitter prevention

Western Port Secondary College, HastingsLitter Reduction in our College and Community

Students from Western Port Secondary College (WPSC) environment group wanted to tackle school and community litter.

Students formed a group and conducted a litter and bin audit along High Street, Hastings, weighing and categorising what they found. The group agreed that to decrease litter, bins should be placed where most litter was found. Consultation with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council led to bin relocation and a visible reduction in litter.

On the college grounds litter was a problem, as was waste removed from bins by crows and ibis. The environment group consulted other college students and found the problem was the style of bins - students disliked pushing rubbish through rubber circular tops and were reluctant to touch bins they considered dirty. The group researched various bins and recommended the purchase of pedal operated wheelie bins. The pedal bins proved a success and school administration is now working to introduce them throughout the grounds.

FinalistsHorsham Tidy TownsDon't Rubbish HorshamHighly commended

Bass Coast Shire CouncilShops Must ''Do the Right Thing'' this Summer

Dartmoor and District Progress Association IncKeeping it Clean in Dartmoor

Ryes Up Community and TradersClean Up Australia Day and more

Shire of CampaspeSupporting Clean Up Australia Day

Wangaratta Sustainabilty NetworkDo Your Litter Bit Bin It!

About Pam Keating (1954 to 2009)

Pam Keating was a visionary and a passionate Chair of Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria (KABV). The Victorian community benefited from her dedication to the environment and waste management industry. Pam was an environmentalist and business woman with many years service on a range of boards including the Metropolitan Waste Management Group, Business Skills Victoria and Gippsland Water. Pam Keating was a driving force behind KABV’s efforts to reduce waste and its impacts on the environment. The KABV Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Protection of the Environment Award recognises outstanding achievement and is presented in Pam’s honour.

WinnerPam Keating Environmental Sustainability

Wannon WaterWarrnambool Roof Water Harvesting Demonstration

The Warrnambool Roof Water Harvesting (RWH) Demonstration Project is one of the first of its kind in Australia and provides a working demonstration of a sustainable approach to integrated water management.

The project was launched in 2011 by the Minister for Water the Hon Peter Walsh. The project collects rainwater from rooftops in new residential subdivisions and transports it through a pipe network to existing raw water storage. The roof water and raw water is then treated at the Wannon Water treatment plant. When connected to 3000 homes in Warrnambool’s north east corridor, the project will contribute 450 mega litres of water to Warrnambool’s water supply and save an estimated 585 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

This newly created urban water catchment is an environmentally sustainable and financially viable alternative to individual rainwater tanks and other augmentation options. The project has earned national acclaim for its social, environmental and economic sustainability outcomes.

FinalistsBeechworth Tidy Towns CommitteeLand for Living

Wangaratta Sustainability NetworkSustainable House Day and Beyond

Wannon Water25 Gateway Road Building

WinnerProtection of the Environment

Gunbower Landcare GroupIncreasing Community Awareness of Hollow Logs and Habitat Trees

The Gunbower Landcare Committee and the Gunbower and District Development Committee Inc are working together to raise awareness of the importance of hollow logs and habitat trees for bird breeding and bushland creatures. The groups have been delivering presentations to highlight the unique qualities of the woodlands and waterways to local community, schools, authorities and surrounding districts.

The groups also support a range of programs being delivered by the North Central Catchment Management Authority including woody weed removal along the waterways (willows) and protection of remnant woodlands through fencing.

The group’s work with landholders to encourage the fencing of roadsides for grazing cattle and several kilometres of fencing has been erected through this partnership. Another project underway is the protection of Gum Lagoon’s riparian zone (the interface between land and water). This project includes fox baiting, turtle nest protection to ensure stability of the turtle population and planting of Indigenous species to improve water quality and biodiversity.

FinalistsBeechworth Tidy Towns CommitteeSilver Banksia Walk

Couching Emu Revegetation Project Committee The Crouching Emu Revegetation, Tatura

Pentland Hills Landcare GroupPentland Hills Community Planting Day

Rutherglen Tidy Towns CommitteeClearing Out the Feral Olives

St Joseph's, Crib PointMangrove Regeneration

Western Port Chamber of Commerce and IndustryTed Harris' Walking Track

WinnerResource Recovery and Waste Management

Horsham Tidy TownsBlue Frog

Wimmera Health Care Group employs over 900 staff and is Horsham’s largest organisation. The organisation’s Environmental Management Working Party developed a plan to reduce their environmental impact.

At the centre of the plan is the “Blue Frog’ - an ambassador for making the right environmental decisions. The first environmental target was recycling of printer cartridges with the Blue Frog symbol, along with messages about recycling and correct waste disposal placed throughout the hospital.

Blue Frog stickers are above light switches and on computers reminding staff to switch off and save power. As part of the Blue Frog Environmental Management Plan, colour-coded waste bins were introduced for general, secured and recyclables as well as a large recycling cage. Waste removal from the site has reduced by 20% and further sustainability improvements will be targeted and reported to staff and the community.

FinalistsBeechworth Tidy Towns CommitteeBeechworth Correctional Centre Timber Recycling Environmental Initiative

Kaniva CollegeYour Waste, Someone's Treasure

Shire of CampaspeKyabram Organics Trial

South Gippsland Shire Council Sustainability TeamHoliday Recycling Pack

St Augustine's College, KyabramResource Recovery at Our School

WinnerYoung Leaders

Mooroopna Secondary CollegeYouth Leadership Achievements

Mooroopna Secondary College (MSC) has 500 students among these are many high achievers. In March 2013 the Lions Club of Victoria named Nathan Booth the District Youth of the Year in Public Speaking. Student Reece Rowe was named the 2013 Mooroopna Community Young Australian of the Year.

The college’s programs encourage Indigenous cultural learning including the Warnick Program that saw students participate in dreamtime at the MCG. The college’s Koori boys dance group, Batja Malnigan, worked with multi-talented performer Boori Monty Pryor to explore heritage and cultural history.

The college has an outstanding record of promoting and developing student leadership and student leaders undertake a rigorous interview process before they are appointed. The student leaders sit on College Council with full voting rights and input into college strategic planning. The Student Representative Council plays an active role in leading the school’s internal fundraising events and being the student voice.

Year 11 MSC students also assisted in part of the planting for the Crouching Emu Revegetation project, managed and coordinated by Tatura Landcare.

FinalistsHorsham Tidy TownsSkate Park

Wangaratta Youth CouncilYoung Leaders with Heart, Seeking and Acting

Western Port Secondary College, HastingsSustainability Across the College and Community

Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Tidy Towns Gift Fund Prizes 2013

Beechworth – Lake Sambell Management CommitteeBeechworth’s Lake Sambell Management Committee (LSMC) was formed in 1990 with members representing residents and community. In 2000, Emma’s Garden was created to honour Beechworth Olympian Pole Vaulter Emma George with funding from the Sydney 2000 Olympics as part of ‘Olympics Greening Australia’.

The garden project involved planting native trees, shrubs and groundcover plants to create a small bird habitat and a bird hide so people could view the water and woodland birds. Lake Sambell has up to 80 resident bird species including water birds and many migratory bird species.

Due to nine years of drought many of the garden’s plants were lost over the years. In August 2013, with funds raised by the LSMC and matched by Indigo Shire Council, the committee, community, clubs and the Beechworth Correctional Centre commenced the revegetation works to Emma’s Garden.

The Gift Fund Prize will fund an identification and conservation storyboard for the garden that will help visitors identify birds and learn about their conservation status and food source.

Wycheproof VISION – Railway PlaceWycheproof VISION is Wycheproof's progress association - an active group that has undertaken successful short and long-term initiatives to benefit the town of Wycheproof.

It has been a long anticipated goal of many groups and individuals in Wycheproof to create sustainable and beautiful use of the Railway Precinct. Wycheproof VISION is currently leading a project that aims to enhance community use of the town’s Railway Place area by building on existing infrastructure in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The Gift Fund Prize will assist with funding for the design and the building of a sustainable garden that includes native plants, a commemorative area to recognise the heritage of railway workers and a designated area for picnics.

St Joseph’s, Crib Point – Mangrove Regeneration

The Mangrove Regeneration project was initiated in 2011 by St Joseph’s Crib Point as the school was keen to get involved in local action that would benefit students and the community of Western Port Bay. The school became involved in harvesting, propagating and replanting white mangroves into various regions at the north of Western Port Bay.

Through the commitment of students and the community the Mangrove Regeneration project has gone from strength to strength. There are now three schools assisting - St Mary's in Williamstown, St Macartans in Mornington and Dromana Secondary School - and there are plans for future growth.

The Gift Fund Prize will support St Joseph’s to continue delivery of the project with the support of Dr Tim Ealey from the Western Port Seagrass Partnership. St Joseph's will provide the energy and workforce for the project via students and the broader community. Dr Ealey will provide his expert scientific knowledge on mangroves and their effect on reducing erosion throughout Westernport Bay.

Previous Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria award winners

Tidy Town of the Year:2013 Wangaratta 2012 Wycheproof2011 Mornington2010 Rutherglen2009 Beechworth2008 Horsham2007 Moe2006 Benalla2005 Benalla2004 Heywood 2003 Hastings 2002 Seymour2001 Horsham2000 Horsham1999 Cobden1998 Red Cliffs1997 Mirboo North1996 Rutherglen1995 Lakes Entrance1994 Red Cliffs1993 Cobram1992 Eildon1991 Cobram1990 Portland1989 Maffra1988 Macarthur1987 Horsham1986 Horsham1985 Mildura1984 Cohuna1983 Broadford

Sustainable Cities:2013 City of Moreland2012 City of Boroondara2011 City of Yarra2010 Melton Shire Council2009 Hobsons Bay City Council2008 Frankston City Council2007 Melton Shire Council2006 Hume City Council2005 Casey City Council

About Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria

For over 40 years Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria (KABV) has been celebrating the sustainable actions taken every day by Victorians across our state.

Founded in 1968 by Dame Phyllis Frost AC, DBE, DSocSC (Hon), KABV has grown from a simple anti-litter campaign to encompass sustainability activities as diverse as reducing waste, preserving heritage and culture, saving energy, improving biodiversity and conserving water.

KABV is a program managed by Sustainability Victoria and is part of the national KAB network that has representation in all states.

The Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards recognise regional communities and in 2012 celebrated 30 years of rewarding Victorians for taking sustainable actions.

In addition to the Sustainable Cities and Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards, KABV offers two other programs:■ Adopt a Roadside supports community groups efforts to help restore and maintain sections of their local arterial road network, protecting environments and increasing community pride and ownership.■ Stationeers encourages groups to improve the appearance and surrounds of their local railway station, giving them a sense of pride in what is often the gateway into their community.

Investing in our communitiesKeep Australia Beautiful Victoria welcomes financial contributions to our community Gift Fund. The Gift Fund was set up to help communities do more, today and every day. All donations over $2 to the Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Gift Fund are tax deductible. To invest in our vibrant communities, please contact KABV on the details below.

MembershipTo become a member of KABV or for more information about these programs, please contact us on:

Telephone: (03) 8626 8750Email: kabv@sustainability.vic.gov.auWebsite: sustainability.vic.gov.au/kabv