You’ve likely passed through a town proudly displaying its Tidy Towns achievement sign. Since 1981, the NSW Tidy Towns program has celebrated the projects, people, and communities helping regional NSW become more sustainable, connected, and vibrant places to live.

The program recognises initiatives across a range of categories, showcasing the environmental, social, and economic contributions being made by councils, community groups, schools, businesses, and volunteers. Many of these projects are driven by passionate local volunteers and become a source of lasting community pride and cohesion.

The annual Awards weekend provides an opportunity to celebrate these achievements while bringing communities together to share ideas, experiences, and inspiration. In October 2026, the event will be hosted by Orange, following its success as the 2025 Overall Winner.

In 1990, the state Tidy Towns programs united to form the Keep Australia Beautiful Australian Tidy Towns Awards. Each year, the NSW Overall Winner has the opportunity to be nominated as the state finalist in this iconic national sustainability program.

ENTRIES FOR THE 2026 AWARDS ARE NOW OPEN!

The search is on for councils, towns, organisations, businesses, schools, and individuals across NSW who are helping to shape a more sustainable future.

The annual Tidy Towns and Sustainable Cities Awards celebrate the projects and initiatives making a genuine and lasting contribution to local communities. With a broad range of award categories available, the program places strong emphasis on collaboration between councils, businesses, community groups, schools, and individuals.

There are no entry fees, and you do not need to be a member of Keep Australia Beautiful NSW to participate.

The benefits of entering extend far beyond the awards themselves. Recognition through the program can help strengthen community pride, acknowledge the efforts of volunteers, support grant funding opportunities, enhance future planning and project support, and build credibility across the state. The awards also provide an opportunity for organisations and communities to showcase leadership and share their successes with others across NSW.