Kununurra Community Garden Kitchen
UPDATE: A Karratha teenager, Ella Dale, and the City’s Youth Shed have been named finalists in the highly prestigious 2025 Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Awards. The announcement was made just earlier this week, spotlighting over 30 regional and remote communities in Western Australia vying for nine award categories.
This initiative, led by the Keep Australia Beautiful Council, recognizes communities committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability innovation. Ella Dale has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Youth Leader category for her transformative project, Greener Karratha, a youth-led tree nursery and community shade initiative.
“I’m incredibly excited to be recognized as a finalist,” Ella stated. “When I started Greener Karratha, my goal was to make our town greener and provide shade for the community. Seeing St Luke’s with its own native nursery fills me with pride. This initiative is not just a one-time project; it ensures future students will continue to learn about our environment and grow trees.”
In addition, Karratha’s Youth Shed has also been recognized as a finalist in the Environmental Education category for their innovative Sola Buddy Program.
The winners in each category, along with the overall State winner who will represent WA at the National Tidy Towns Sustainability Awards, will be unveiled on 28 November 2025, at the State Awards Event held at Optus Stadium in Perth.
KABC chair Elizabeth Carr praised the finalists, stating, “This year’s finalists reflect a remarkable dedication to environmental and sustainability change. The Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities program is a vital platform to celebrate the achievements of communities, large and small.”
As the excitement builds, communities across Western Australia are rallying behind their local finalists, eager to see who will take home the coveted awards. The efforts of individuals like Ella and organizations like the Youth Shed exemplify the community spirit and collaboration that can lead to significant environmental impacts.
Stay tuned for live updates as the awards approach, and keep your fingers crossed for Karratha’s champions!
