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Narrogin takes out the Tidy Towns crown

Emma TaylorNarrogin Observer
Narrogin Shire President Leigh Ballard on the main street
Camera IconNarrogin Shire President Leigh Ballard on the main street

Narrogin residents should be bursting with pride this week after their home town was named the tidiest in WA.

The town won the top honour at the Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities 2020 awards.

Narrogin was awarded the overall State title at a ceremony in Perth last Friday — a first for Narrogin in the competition’s history.

Shire president Leigh Ballard described the result as “absolutely awesome”.

“It was a fantastic effort and it’s great to get the recognition for the work we’ve been doing for last 10 years on tidying the place up,” Cr Ballard said.

“We were definitely surprised. We had no idea at all. It’s a fantastic result.”

The town was named a finalist in four categories — Litter Prevention and Waste Management, Heritage and Culture, Community Action and Wellbeing and General Appearance.

Shire of Narrogin chief executive Dale Stewart, president Leigh Ballard, Shire technical and rural services executive manager Torre Evans, Keep Australia Beautiful Council WA chairman Michael Aspinall.
Camera IconShire of Narrogin chief executive Dale Stewart, president Leigh Ballard, Shire technical and rural services executive manager Torre Evans, Keep Australia Beautiful Council WA chairman Michael Aspinall. Credit: Picture: Lee Mullen

“The Shire of Narrogin has done a huge amount of work to improve the appearance and accessibility of the town for all community members,” Tidy Towns judge Kylie Payne said.

“Recent changes, beautification and sustainable action in the town are apparent throughout.”

Among the town’s winning attributes were the development of bike paths, bike stands, a collaborative BMX site, upgrades to the Heritage Walk Trail, restoration of the pavilion, colourful new bins and community litter pick-ups.

Judges were impressed by the Shire’s support for community groups through initiatives such as the Gnarojin Community Garden and the sensory garden.

Other changes noted by the judges included recent tree plantings, the relocation of 30-year-old palms, a play park redesign and park upgrades, LED lighting, new street furniture, shade shelters and inclusive seating.

“Winning the award is just such a positive thing,” Cr Ballard said.

“It’s really lifted everyone.”

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