November 4, 2018
Wondai residents are celebrating the town’s latest honour … being named Queensland’s Tidiest Town for 2018 in the prestigious Queensland Tidy Towns competition.
Cr Ros Heit announced the news at the Wondai Art Gallery’s exhibition opening on Friday night and it was confirmed on Saturday by Keep Queensland Beautiful.
Wondai out-performed 39 other entrants to claim the victory.
Cr Heit thanked the people of Wondai for the great team effort by the many volunteers that had led to the award win.
“Being awarded this is a great honour for Wondai and recognition of what a great place Wondai is,” she said.
South Burnett Mayor Keith Campbell said it was a terrific achievement for the town.
“There is a high level of civic pride in Wondai and attention in the way which the town is presented and displayed is in the hearts, minds and souls in so many of the residents in Wondai,” Mayor Campbell said.
“I am proud of the quality of work that our Council staff contributed to make Wondai an attractive place.”
Two Keep Queensland Beautiful judges visited Wondai in September to make an independent assessment of the town.
They visited many local organisations, including the Art Galley, Timber Museum, Wondai P-9, showgrounds, sportsground and hospital.
The judges were also briefed by Council staff on local activities.
As well as taking out the top award, Wondai was awarded a four-star accreditation rating which it will hold for the next two years.
“Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen, especially Elaine Madill and the Wondai Art Gallery team and, of course the lovely people of Wondai for making it the great community it is!” Cr Heit said.
“This has to be fantastic for Wondai.”
Wondai has claimed previous wins in the competition. Signs on the outskirts of town note success in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.
- Footnote: South Burnett towns have had a strong record in Tidy Towns competitions. Winners over the years have included: Murgon (1975-76; 1984-85), Kumbia (1984-85), Kingaroy (1985-86, 1986-87), Blackbutt (1989-90), Bell (1990-91), Bunya Mountains (1997 Natural Heritage Award), Goomeri (1998; 2002 Litter Prevention Award) and Proston (1999 Bush Spirit Award).
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Keep Queensland Beautiful’s flagship Tidy Towns program is celebrating its 50th birthday this year.
CEO David Curtin said it was more than just a “beauty contest”.
“From its humble beginnings, Tidy Towns has morphed into a much more complex competition – a Tidy Town is a community that works together to achieve outcomes that enhance and protect the natural environment, build community spirit and that implements sustainable practices and programs across nine key focus areas,” Mr Curtin said.
“Wondai has a deep sense of community.
“Integral to success is community spirit, not just in the awards program, but for survival in these tough economic times.
“For a quaint town, Wondai is rich with an art culture like no other.
“The Art Gallery and adjoining Coronation Park, without a doubt, bind this quaint little community. “
- Related article: Judges Cast Eye Over Wondai
