(L to R) Vanessa Parkes and Liz Jeremy from Blacktown City Council with Bernard Carlon from the Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW
Blacktown City Council has won the 2008 Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW (DECC) Environmental Education Award as part of the Keep Australia Beautiful (KAB) NSW Sustainable Cities Awards.
The Council won for their Supporters of Sustainability (SOS) Challenge, an exciting community program that provides Blacktown residents with incentives and practical steps to live more sustainably.
So far, 721 families have participated in the program, which has included a free screening of 'An Inconvenient Truth' followed by participants making environmental pledges such as "I will use my electricity wisely" and "I will use my car less".
"Blacktown City Council is an interesting case. Like many councils, their efforts are dedicated at improving the level of environmental awareness in their local region but what sets them apart is their strong partnership and trust in the Blacktown community. The environmental programs and events, delivered at a grassroots level, have provided the necessary information and tools for positive change in the community" Chief Executive Officer of Keep Australia Beautiful NSW, Peter McLean said.
Blacktown City Council was also named Runner Up in the coveted Overall Sustainable Council Award recognising its implementation of a range of innovative sustainability programs to improve community awareness and reduce the city's contribution to climate change.
The annual KAB NSW Sustainable Cities Awards were announced at a gala event in Sydney on 14 August with City of Sydney winning the Overall Sustainable City Award. The Awards recognise environmental endeavours and initiatives implemented by councils, schools, community groups, and individuals in Sydney, Newcastle, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast and Wollongong.
DECC warmly congratulates all the 2008 Sustainable Cities Award winners for their environmental achievements, and contribution to addressing the challenges of climate change.