Since 1994, the Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Sustainable Cities Awards have recognised and celebrated environmental initiatives, sustainability projects, and community leadership across metropolitan councils and urban communities.

The program highlights projects that deliver positive environmental outcomes in areas such as litter prevention, waste management, recycling, resource recovery, environmental education, and community engagement.

The Sustainable Cities Awards encourage councils, communities, schools, businesses, and organisations to showcase the innovative and impactful work taking place within their local areas while inspiring others to create more sustainable, connected, and liveable communities. Entrants have the opportunity to be recognised through individual category awards as well as the coveted Overall NSW Sustainable City Award.

In 2026, the Awards event will be hosted by Hornsby following its success as the 2025 Overall Winner.

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.