Keep Australia Beautiful WA Tidy Towns State program manager Gail Dodd said Dandaragan’s community spirit was impressive and that the community had achieved remarkable results for a small country settlement of only 240 residents.

“It is clear that the community is passionate about their patch and work hard collectively to maintain and develop the town,” she said.

“Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities is about much more than keeping towns clean and tidy.

“The awards reward and recognise towns for initiatives that involve the community in preserving their culture, protecting the environment and improving the sustainability and amenity of their towns.”

Category winners for the Midwest-Gascoyne were:

Community Action: Dandaragan

General Appearance: Dandaragan

Recycling and Waste Management: Dandaragan

Natural Heritage Conservation: Dandaragan

Enhancing Cultural Identity: Meekatharra

“It was inspiring to see dynamic entries from schools this year,” Mrs Dodd said.

“The ‘Moora Less’ Committee at Central Midlands Senior High School was highly commended for leading the Moora community in embracing the Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities concept.

“Watheroo Primary School was also highly commended for showing strong leadership in sustainable practices.”

Initiatives that contributed to Dandaragan’s success included establishing a resource centre building; developing the St Anne’s church parkland; securing a rural property lease for the football club; running a playgroup; fundraising through knitting and sewing days; and fitness programs.

Mrs Dodd said Dandaragan would now compete with other regional winners for the overall WA Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities title to be announced at the State Awards Ceremony on November 20 at the Royal Perth Yacht Club.

All regional category winners are in the running for a State category award.

“We were really impressed with the work done by the entrants in Midwest-Gascoyne region and I congratulate Dandaragan, the category winners and all entrants and wish them all the best in their ongoing efforts to build vibrant and sustainable communities,” she said.

The Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities judges for the Midwest-Gascoyne region included representatives from the Department of Environment and Conservation and guest judge Peter Ashton.

For more information about Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities visit www.kabc.wa.gov.au or contact Gail Dodd on 6467 5131.

Registrations for the 2010 Tidy Towns’ program are now open.