The awards were presented in Tamworth last weekend.

“Building bridges between urban environmentally concerned people and rural communities says it all,” Tidy Towns Assessor for Boorowa Dennis de Kantzow said.

“More than 30,000 trees have been planted along a section of the Boorowa River and wildlife is returning to the area.”

“The project has expanded local government and state government agency support even after nine years when many such projects are winding down.”

Chairman of the Tidy Towns Committee John Snelling was naturally delighted with the award,

“Winning the environment category is not surprising as Boorowa has got a very strong history as regards the environment, and it is no surprise to see that the judges have taken this significance of the Bridge to Bush program, and its State and possible National, implementation of these partnerships being formed to assist the environment” Mr Snelling said.

“As pleased as I am that we got this award, I am disappointed we did not get recognition for all the brilliant work done on the War Memorial.” “It is good to see Lockhart win Overall State Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Award, category B (population of 351-1200 people) especially as it is in the same category as Boorowa as regards it population size, and Young won the Overall Tidy Town award, category D (population of 4001-10,000).

“Boorowa has the potential to achieve the same result as Lockhart as Boorowa has done it before and there is no reason why Boorowa cannot do it again.”

As Mr Snelling is retiring from the Tidy Towns Committee he would love to see more people get involved as all it takes is some passion.

Manager Conservation Programs Lynn Webber said receiving entries from across the state is an inspiration to all involved with the awards.

“The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW are proud supporters and sponsors of the Wildlife Corridors and Habitats category of the Awards to encourage and recognise voluntary community efforts and achievements in local wildlife and natural heritage conservation,” Ms Webber said.