The Central Australian desert township of Apatula (Finke) is in the running to take out a national award that will recognise the community’s efforts in sustainable practices, litter reduction and beautification.
As the Territory’s 2017 Tidiest Town, Apatula (Finke) will represent the Northern Territory at the Keep Australia Beautiful, Australian Tidy Towns Awards in South Australia at a national gala dinner this week on Friday evening.
Keep Australia Beautiful Council (NT) CEO, Heimo Schober, said that Apatula (Finke) residents have embraced the Territory Tidy Towns program, with many in the community working hard to win this prestigious Award and representing Northern Territory at the Nationals.
“The township’s strong culture of continuous improvement and community participation helped theMacDonnell community lead the competition,” said Mr Schober.
“MacDonnell Council Staff, Community Elders and residents of Apatula demonstrated great community pride and leadership in local sustainability practices and education, and set a wonderful example for other remote townships to follow.
“Apatula (Finke) was the stand-out township last year in community participation and keeping their community tidy and beautiful, and I believe they certainly deserve to win the national title as Australia’sBest.
“I encourage all Territorians to get behind this small proud central Australian township who have madebig changes in sustainably reducing litter pollution and beautifying their community.”
At last year’s Territory Awards ceremony, Apatula (Finke) officially became the ‘Territory’s Tidiest Town’ and is now the Territory’s Finalist after winning the overall NT Award as well as receiving the Category Award for ‘Best Medium Territory Tidy Towns Community’.
The Territory Tidy Towns Awards program recognises and acknowledges the hard work undertaken by remote and regional community groups, schools, individuals, businesses and Councils, and showcases innovative ideas and initiatives that improve social and environmental development and sustainability in regional areas.
The national Tidy Town Awards will be held at Barmera in South Australia on 6th April 2018.