Neatness in Nullagine recognised

The East Pilbara has cleaned up at a ceremony celebrating communities taking pride in where they live.

Nullagine swept other hopefuls aside by scooping the general appearance gong, while the Martu Farm in Newman won the environmental education accolade at the WA Tidy Towns awards in Perth recently.

Nullagine was recognised for the efforts of the 200 residents and local government staff to clear the townsite of spinifex, invasive weeds and in carrying out daily litter pick-ups.

Martu Farm, a community farm run by the Martu Christian Fellowship to provide physical and social support for Martu people, was singled out for a program that provides three Year 11 students with the opportunity to attend the farm two days a week to study horticulture.

Shire of East Pilbara President Lynne Craigie said the award was excellent news for the community.

“It’s a wonderful way to share its great qualities with the rest of the country,” she said.

“My sincere congratulations to our parks and garden team, who have worked so hard for this recognition as well as the Nullagine community who have such great pride in their town.”

Minister for the Environment Stephen Dawson said the category winners showed great initiative in developing projects that were making a real difference in their communities.

“These projects have started at a grassroots level and epitomise how small-scale ideas have the potential to lead to positive change,” he said.