Barrell Well Aborigines win 2nd prize in 'Clean Communities' contest

17/4/97

Housing and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Kim Hames visited the Aboriginal community of Barrell Well today to present $5,000 in prize money for second place in the 'Clean Communities are Healthy Communities' competition.

Homeswest, which held the competition for the first time this year, hopes to make it an annual event.

"Seventeen communities throughout Western Australia competed for $20,000 in prize money and the standard was very high," Dr Hames said.

"The judging criteria was broad and included water resource management, landscaping, maintenance of community facilities, general beautification programs and dog control.

"This competition shows there are many communities working successfully to provide safe and enjoyable living environments, often in some of the State's most isolated and harsh surroundings."

Competition winner was Ngallagunda Community east of Derby on the Gibb River Road which will receive $10,000 in prize money.

Winning communities will use the money to further improve community facilities, planting trees and gardens, supplying equipment for playgrounds, tools and reticulation or hold cultural events.

The judging panel included Aboriginal Housing Board chairman Ron Attwood, Aboriginal Housing Director Jody Broun and Homeswest Commissioner Sue Gordon.

Media contact: Caroline Lacy (09) 222 9595 (09) 424 7450