Walcha has come home from the state Tidy Towns awards with a Local Hero, a finalist spot, and a commendation for its winter festival.
Peter Blomfield of Walcha won the Local Heroes award in the awards’ smallest population category.
Walcha was also a finalist in that category, which was won by Coomba Park.
The Walcha Business Group was Highly Commended in Community Spirit and Inclusion for WinterFest: Walcha’s Winter Connection.
The results were announced on Saturday, 17 October in the Keep Australia Beautiful NSW 2026 Tidy Towns Awards. The ceremony was hosted by Orange, the 2025 titleholder.
Gunnedah Shire Council took out the Heritage and Culture award in its population category for the Rainbow Serpent Water Feature Restoration.
The top prize went to Dungog, which was named Overall Winner and will represent NSW at the 2027 Australian Tidy Towns Awards.
Judges praised Dungog’s strong volunteer networks, community ownership, and knack for turning local concerns into lasting action. Its achievements span waste reduction, environmental education, biodiversity, and community connection.
KAB NSW Overall Assessor Peter Clark said the town’s ability to keep up the effort over time set it apart.
“Dungog’s greatest strength is the combination of resilience, initiative and community capacity,” Mr Clark said.
Across the state, the awards recognised projects led by councils, community groups, schools, businesses, and individuals. They ranged from habitat restoration and water protection to waste avoidance, heritage, and inclusive public spaces.
Since 1981, the Tidy Towns program has recognised efforts to protect and improve the environment in rural and regional NSW.
KAB NSW CEO Val Southam congratulated Dungog and all the award recipients.
“These awards celebrate the people who give their time, energy and ideas to make their communities better places to live,” Ms Southam said.
“Dungog’s achievements show how much can be accomplished when local people work together and sustain that commitment over time.”
Photos from the event and the winners’ book will be available at https://www.kabnsw.org.au/2026-tidy-towns-winner/
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