Proud Williams community wins Tidy Towns crown

The town, named for a king in the 1800s, claimed the crown for its achievements in sustainability, wellbeing and civic pride.

Judges were impressed by the dedication of locals in maintaining a welcoming and environmentally conscious town.

Public spaces with solar lighting, recycled signage and waterwise planting are kept pristine by a dedicated team of gardeners. A similarly deep sense of responsibility is shown by regular clean-up activities and beautification projects.

Environmental initiatives include bushwalk development, tree planting and riverbank restoration, as well as programs to engage young people in conservation efforts.

The awards have celebrated the commitment of people building vibrant communities across the state for 56 years.

Among them is 13-year-old Blayde Day, who won the Young Legends award after starting an eco-friendly wheelie bin cleaning service in Tom Price and becoming a champion for sustainability, innovation and community involvement.

Another local hero is Sue Rodgers, who leads through social connection in her daily efforts to keep her hometown of Northam clean and safe. Judges granted her a discretionary leadership award to acknowledge her energy and commitment.

Each award was presented in a beautifully hand-crafted frame made by Men’s Shed volunteers from reclaimed timbers sourced from Western Australian landmarks including the old Esperance Jetty and the Brunswick showground stables.

More than 30 regional and remote communities were finalists in the flagship Keep Australia Beautiful Council program. Winners were announced at a gala lunch on Friday 28 November at Optus Stadium.