WARC communities recognised at Tidy Town Awards

West Arnhem communities including Jabiru, Maningrida, Gunbalanya, Warruwi and Minjilang have been recognised for the huge efforts in environmental sustainability in 2018.
After placing a great focus on waste management this year throughout West Arnhem, all five communities were recognised at the recent Northern Territory Tidy Towns awards, which are held by Keep Australia Beautiful NT and promote and encourage sustainable communities and better living with improved quality of life. 
In the Litter Management section, Jabiru and Warruwi received highly commended awards while Minjilang proudly took home the winning trophy for their hard work throughout the community.
In the Community Participation category, Warruwi and Minjilang were both acknowledged as new communities to the Tidy Towns program.

Following a huge effort in waste management throughout the year, Maningrida once again won the Geoff Finch Memorial Cup which is awarded to the ‘Most Improved Community’ for the year. 
The Energy Conservation Winner was also presented to the Maningrida community. 
Meanwhile, the Gunbalanya staff, community members, and particularly the youth, can be very proud of their efforts and the video which was put together to highlight the hard work undertaken in the lead up to the Tidy Towns judging. 
As part of the October school holidays, the youth spent a day doing the ‘right thing’ around the community and picked up rubbish to assist to keep their country and people strong. 

As a result, Gunbalanya Senior Team Leader Youth, Sport and Recreation Page McMillan was awarded the Tidy Towns Youth, Sports & Recreation Award.
West Arnhem Regional Council Area Manager John Thomas said West Arnhem staff across all five communities should be very proud of their achievements in 2018 and the efforts have not gone unrecognised.

“It was a priority to enter all West Arnhem communities in the Tidy Towns program this year and, as a result, every single one of them has benefitted; with cleaner liveable communities for our constituents for a long time to come,” he said.
“Staff, community members and the entire West Arnhem region can be proud of these awards and we wish to thank everyone who has contributed in 2018.”
The Territory Tidy Towns Awards program recognises and acknowledges the commitment and hard work undertaken by remote and regional community groups, schools, individuals, businesses and Councils. It showcases innovative ideas and initiatives that improve social and environmental development and sustainability in regional areas of the Northern Territory.