Orange to host more than 100 delegates for environmental awards

The Tidy Towns concept has been given an overhaul but as the regaining champion of last year’s awards ceremony, Orange will host more than 100 delegates for this year’s competition.

The Tidy Towns concept, known now as the NSW Blue Star Sustainability Awards, will be presented in Orange in November.

Orange’s Tidy Towns Chair Chris Gryllis said after winning the Overall Regional Sustainability Award last year, Orange has another chance to showcase its environmental credentials.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to show representatives from across the state just what we’re doing here in Orange in terms of creating a sustainable future,” Cr Gryllis said.

“It’s a feather in our hat but it’s also a great boon for tourism.”

The awards weekend will run from Friday November 4 to Sunday November 6 and will commence with a welcome barbecue at the Adventure Playground and tours of the city.

The 2016 winner of the Overall Regional Sustainability Award will be announced on Saturday evening at the Orange Function Centre.

Cr Gryllis said the Rotary Club of Orange had been a fantastic support for Orange and its endeavours towards the Tidy Town concept.

He said the group would be cooking barbecues for delegates throughout the weekend.

Tickets to the weekend, and the Saturday dinner, are still available at the Keep NSW Beautiful website.(External link)

Because Orange won the overall award last year, it is not in the running this year.

Award categories are:

·Hey Tosser! Litter Action Award(External link)

·Waste Less, Recycle More Award(External link)

·Going Green Education Award(External link)

·Habitat & Wildlife Guardianship Award(External link)

·Sustainable Systems Award(External link)

·Cultural Heritage Award(External link)

·Environmental Achievement Award(External link)

·Young Environmental Achievement Award(External link)

·Community Environmental Achievement Award

TIDY TOWN: Orange took out the top gong at last year's awards.