AWARDS CATEGORIES

We have curated the categories for 2025 to reflect the most important social, economic and environmental issues for all organisations and communities across rural and regional NSW.

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Recognising outstanding achievements by an organisation in regenerating, conserving, or advancing scientific understanding of biodiversity.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Awarding innovation and excellence in product design, resource recovery, and circular operations and planning.

CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION & ADAPTATION
Celebrating leadership and innovation in adapting and strengthening resilience to the impacts of climate change.

COMMUNICATION & ENGAGEMENT
Celebrating programs that inspire environmental action by creating accessible, inclusive, educational and motivational communication campaigns.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT & INCLUSION
Celebrating communities that demonstrate strong community spirit and inclusion in the face of ongoing challenges.

HERITAGE & CULTURE
Celebrating community projects that enhance and protect either our built heritage, natural heritage, or indigenous cultural heritage.

LITTER PREVENTION
Recognising outstanding achievements by an organisation in safeguarding local natural or built environments from litter.

LIVEABLE CITIES/TOWNS
Celebrating programs or projects that create a more beautiful, sustainable, mobile, and healthy environment where all communities prosper.

PLASTIC FREE COMMUNITIES
Recognising innovation and programs that take action to tackle single use plastics, empowering individuals and businesses to avoid single use products and encourage more sustainable choices.

RESOURCE RECOVERY
Awarding innovation in resource recovery through educational communication campaigns and outstanding operational design and planning.

WASTE AVOIDANCE
Recognising projects or programs that address waste prevention or reduction and education.

WATERWAYS & MARINE PROTECTION
Recognising programs and actions that create, restore and/or enhance our natural waterways and beaches.

YOUNG LEGENDS (≤ 25)
Recognising individuals, schools or a group who demonstrate outstanding commitment to their environment and show leadership in pursuing environmental outcomes.

OVERALL AWARD
The Overall Award is awarded to a Council (Sustainable Cites)/Town (Tidy Towns) that has successfully undertaken projects or actions in multiple areas of environmental sustainability and social inclusion across the range of award categories.

LOCAL HEROES
Celebrating individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to their environment and show leadership in pursuing collective goals.
Direct nominations only