The Mornington Peninsula has received three honours at the 2026 Keep Australia Beautiful National Tidy Towns Awards, recognising local work in reef restoration, conservation and youth environmental education.
The Peninsula was recognised for the Shell Savers project, the long-running conservation work of Gidja Walker, and the Ngawak Biik Junior Ranger Program at The Briars.
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor Max Patton attended the Launceston ceremony on behalf of the Shire.
The Mornington Peninsula was one of six communities shortlisted for the national title, alongside Williams in Western Australia, Ikuntji in the Northern Territory, Orange in New South Wales, Huon Valley in Tasmania and Cloncurry in Queensland. Williams was named the overall national winner.
Shellfish Waste Turned Into Marine Habitat
The Shell Savers project won the Circular Economy and Waste Reduction category.
The project collects shellfish waste from local restaurants and hospitality businesses that would otherwise be sent to landfill. Volunteers clean and prepare the shells before they are used in shellfish reef restoration.
The program involves OzFish, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and Traditional Owner groups.
According to the award material, the project aims to restore lost marine habitat, support biodiversity and improve water quality.
Local Conservationist Recognised
Mornington Peninsula conservationist Gidja Walker was named a joint winner of the Dame Phyllis Frost Local Hero Award.
The award recognises individuals who show leadership and long-term commitment to environmental, sustainability or broader community initiatives.
Walker was recognised for more than 30 years of environmental work across the Peninsula, including habitat protection, environmental education, threatened species support and community conservation.
Junior Ranger Program Commended
The Ngawak Biik Junior Ranger Program at The Briars received a Highly Commended in the Young Legends Award.
The program, whose name means Our Country, brings First Nations young people onto Country to learn land management, cultural practices and environmental stewardship from their community.
The award material said the program had exceeded expectations for participation, with improved engagement and attendance.
National Sponsor Acknowledged
The 2026 Keep Australia Beautiful National Tidy Towns Awards were nationally sponsored by TOMRA Cleanaway.
TOMRA Cleanaway CEO James Dorney said the awards highlighted community-led environmental work across Australia.
“These awards shine a spotlight on the extraordinary work happening in communities like the Mornington Peninsula right across the country, from major regional centres to very small towns doing big things.”
Keep Australia Beautiful CEO Val Southam said the awards recognised practical work being carried out in regional communities.
“Regional towns are stepping up in powerful ways. They’re not just protecting their environments, they’re showing what’s possible when resilience, purpose and local leadership come together for a better future.”
The Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns Awards recognise sustainability work in regional and rural Australia, including projects focused on waste reduction, youth participation, environmental innovation and community engagement.
