Local projects put Great Southern communities in the running for WA Tidy Towns awards

Projects from six Great Southern communities have been named among the finalists in this year’s WA Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Awards, recognised for their dedication to keeping their towns looking their best.

The list of 43 regional finalists was announced last Thursday, with Lake Grace, Hopetoun, Ravensthorpe, Denmark, Mt Barker and Albany all making the cut.

The WA awards are split into 10 categories, and communities also become eligible for the overall State award if they enter in at least six of the 10 categories.

Hopetoun’s environmental education program From Coastline to Community earned them a spot on the finalists’ list in the environmental education award category, while Ravensthorpe is a finalist in the general appearance category for its wildflower streetscapes, putting its civic pride on show in a colourful welcome display for visitors.

Lake Grace is up against Denmark in the community containers for change category, with the Lake Grace Lions Club’s program Turning Containers into Community Support, and Horsepower Denmark’s Turning Bottles into Bridles and Cans into Community Strength earning each town a spot on the list.

Denmark is also shortlisted in the litter action category for the Kwoorabup Nature School’s Our Beautiful Coastline project, while community-led resource recovery at the Mt Barker tip shop put the Shire of Plantagenet in the running for the waste management award.

Keep Albany Beautiful has put its city in the running for three awards including the environmental education award, community action and wellbeing, and community containers for change.

Albany is the only Great Southern locality vying for the State award this year, which could see it go on to represent WA at the national awards if it wins the State honour.

Williams won the State award for 2025, and went on to win the top gong at the national Tidy Towns awards earlier this year.

Winners of each category and this year’s State award will be announced at a ceremony in Perth at Optus Stadium on November 27.

Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson said making the State finalists’ list was a testament to local efforts.

“Being named a Tidy Towns finalist is a significant achievement and a reflection of the dedication, pride, and hard work of local volunteers, community groups and residents who help make their town a better place to live,” he said.

“This recognition celebrates the people who give their time and energy to make their towns stronger, more sustainable and more welcoming.”