Following a comprehensive review of the 2016 Awards, the 2017 Sustainable Communities program was run as an abridged version. This saw the elimination of category awards with stronger focus on Overall Community Awards. The focus was for councils or community groups to enter on behalf of their entire community, incorporating schools, businesses and individual’s actions, as well as community groups and councils.
Entries had to qualify for the overall awards, and address six categories.
The entries received were of great quality and highlighted the tenacity and dedication of regional SA in striving for environmentally, socially and economically sustainable communities.
Port Julia, Yorke Peninsula – Best Small Town
Although only small, this township is thriving with much of the work being undertaken by a very active and dedicated progress association. Members are responsible for the increasingly popular camp ground, which is well maintained and a pleasant spot for locals and interstaters spending time on the Yorke Peninsula. Trails along the edge of town and the cliff tops not only make for a stunning walk, but have been enhanced with interpretive signage, significant weed removal and revegetation of local species.
Port Julia cliff top walking trail
Kimba, Eyre Peninsula – Best Medium Town and Overall Winner
Kimba is an immensely proud community which has achieved big things in 2017; big being the operative word with a public artwork measuring 25 metres high and 60 metres wide – the Kimba Silo Art project. Another unique initiative is the Grey Nomad program, where travellers can stay and work alongside locals at places such as the Museum. The Powerful Learners program at the Kimba Area School is an outstanding initiative that encourages students to think outside the box.
Berri, Riverland received a highly commended in the Medium Town category.
Kimba Silo Mural Art
Victor Harbor, Fleurieu Peninsula – Best Large Town
Major projects over the past year included the culmination of the first stage of the Main Street upgrade, revitalisation of the soldier’s memorial garden, nature playground at Brandwood Reserve, opening of the Fleurieu Aquatic Centre, support of the Men’s Shed relocation and the continued work of local volunteers to beautify the local area.
The Bluff, Victor Harbor signage
Beltana Community Park, Beltana Progress Association – Outstanding Community Project
The new community park was developed by the Beltana community and funded from grants and their own funding. The park has a solar BBQ, waste and recycling bins and picnic facilities. The installation was a community effort; initial site works were done in November and the shelters were erected in March in 40° heat. The new park has had an unintended consequence; car parks were installed to stop environmental damage but visitors have seen it as a place to safely park the car and walk around the rest of the town. Before the park, most visitors drove around town but are now walking the 3km long trail.
Beltana Community Park
Elliston Coastal Trail, District Council of Elliston – Outstanding Council Project
A challenging, but worthwhile project has seen the creation of a 14.6km trail that is a wonderful way for locals and tourists to experience the stunning Elliston coastal environment from the soaring cliffs and exhilarating surf breaks to the calm waters in the Bay, whilst learning about the Elliston history, places of significance and local flora and fauna.
Elliston Coastal Trail