The Victorian town of Hastings has been named Australia’s most sustainable community.
The Mornington Peninsula town took top honours and four of the nine individual categories in this year’s Keep Australia Beautiful National Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns awards announced on 3 September.
It follows the overall win and a swathe of accolades at the 2020 Keep Victoria Beautiful Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns awards.
“I am so proud of how well Hastings has done in what has been a very difficult year for everyone,” Mayor Despi O’Connor said.
“I’d like to thank all entrants for their hard work and the wonderful way in which they contribute to making our shire such an amazing place to live.”
Hastings won the 2021 Dame Phyllis Frost Litter Prevention award with two unique programs – the ‘I Sea I Care Marine Ambassador Program’ and the ‘A Team’. Both programs empower young people to become environmental leaders in litter reduction and management, as well as promote behavioural change in the broader community.
The town was a joint winner of the Heritage and Culture award for its Rap4Rap project which raises awareness of the positive Indigenous perspective on the peninsula, and the Community Health, Wellbeing and Interest award for assisting in evacuations from Mallacoota beach during the devastating 2020 bushfires.
Local youth Harrison Hansen won the Young Legends individual award.
The Australian Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns Awards began in 1990 as a way of recognising community pride, cohesion and community action. They have evolved to encompass a focus on environmental sustainability to reflect a growing awareness of the importance of community-led environmental action.
Hastings Cerberus Ward Councillor Lisa Dixon said she was thrilled the town was recognised for the strength of its community and its volunteer spirit.
“I can’t help but feel a warm glow of pride that the beauty and amenity of our town and its strong community spirit have been recognised on the national stage.”
For more information visit: www.sustainablecommunities.com.au
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