Bellingen is chasing Tidy Towns success again, with the shire shortlisted as a finalist in the 2026 Tidy Towns Sustainability Awards, just two years after its big win in 2024.
Four local projects have been recognised across four individual categories, and Bellingen has also been named a finalist for the 2026 Overall Award.
Bellingen Shire Council Mayor Steve Allan said it was an honour to see the shire represented again in a program known for celebrating projects, people and communities across regional NSW.
“Our new town entry signs, the Connell Park redevelopment project, Council’s Climate Emergency Response, and our 2026 Seniors Festival celebration, Live Life in Colour! have all been nominated as finalists in their categories,” Cr Allan said.
“If Bellingen is successful in winning the 2026 Overall Award, then Bellingen Shire will have the opportunity to host the Tidy Towns Awards in 2027.”
“This is strong recognition of the work delivered across Council and the community over the past 12 months. Big thanks to the staff involved in preparing the submissions and delivering the projects recognised by these nominations.”
The Tidy Towns awards are run by Keep Australia Beautiful NSW, a program that has been recognising projects that reduce litter, minimise waste, encourage recycling, protect heritage, culture, biodiversity and waterways, and foster community spirit since 1981.
Bellingen Shire Council General Manager Mark Griffioen looked back on the shire’s big haul at the 2024 awards, where it took home six trophies.
“This tidy town cleaned up big in 2024, and while the competition is fierce across NSW, the Bellingen Shire community vision of Connected, Sustainable and Creative perfectly matches the ethos of the Tidy Towns awards,” Mr Griffioen said.
“I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved and continue to achieve as a small community that loves and appreciates where they live and works hard to leave it just a little bit better than we found it.”
The Tidy Towns Sustainability Awards weekend will be held on 16 to 18 October 2026, hosted by Orange City following its win as the 2025 Overall Winner.
Read all the way through to the end of the story? So did lots of other people. Advertise with North Coast Times to reach locals who are interested and engaged. Find out more here.