Published on Monday, 28 November 2022 at 2:25:47 PM
Western Australia's regional and remote communities have been recognised at the 2022 Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Awards, with Gascoyne Junction taking out the top honour. Gascoyne Junction also won the Environmental Sustainability category for leading the way with its litter prevention initiatives and water planning.
Environment Minister Reece Whitby stated that "Gascoyne Junction has shown with determination and community support, towns can become more environmentally friendly and sustainable".
Cr Jim Caunt, Shire of Upper Gascoyne CEO John McCleary, the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA, Minister for Environment & Climate Action and Shire of Upper Gascoyne Tourism and Community Development Officer Ainsley Hardie receiving the 2022 WA Overall Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Award
Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Awards Judge, Joanne Ferguson commented that "The remote town of Gascoyne Junction impressed the judges with their resourcefulness, sheer determination, and commitment to a vast array of projects, activities and outcomes, across all categories, well and truly punching above their weight for a town of this size".
The awards are not just about being tidy but also reflect the community, its values and the way the community adapts to living with local environmental factors.
The past year has been challenging, with flooding causing significant damage and delays to planned initiatives. However, the community battled on to improve their town and make it welcoming.
Supportive Shire leadership and engaged community members demonstrated strong community action and connectedness. This sense of belonging is apparent in the town, examples being the community supporting out-of-town sporting activities, a meet-and-greet with the Yinggarda Aboriginal Corporation and young people contributing to the local newsletter.
Community initiatives in the past year have brought to completion beautiful place making projects and water-saving action which, combined with litter- prevention activities, have transformed Gascoyne Junction into a green and welcoming town. As you drive into town, you are instantly drawn to the Cessna airplane mounted high above the Gascoyne Junction Tourist Stop – Two Rivers Memorial Park, which depicts the historical significance of aerial mustering in the region. The park remodelling has been many years in the making, having been delayed by COVID, rain and a lack of contractors. It is a stunning and valuable multi-use space to the local community and travellers. The park provides a respite stop, with parking for caravans and RVs, new toilet blocks, shade structures with seating, a huge lawn and an amphitheatre for community events. This space will eventually have
additional installations, functioning as an outdoor museum and linking with the Town Pavilion and War Memorial.
The town has new banner poles and signs welcoming visitors and providing tourists with directions. The neglected Caravan and Tourist Park has been repaired and refurbished. This facility is a focal point for locals and tourists, resulting in longer and multiple returning stays. Busy bees to pick up litter, distribution of Outback Packs, with resources for litter
collection and messaging for Leave No Trace, are contributing to a well-kept litter free community
To read about all the winners and categories CLICK HERE
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