TIDY Up Taree is a finalist in the Regional Achievement and Community Awards for NSW/ACT for its work to transform the Taree central business district.
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News of the achievement reached organiser, Graham Brown OAM last week and he says it is recognition of the work of volunteers who acted to support the Tidy Up Taree 'Civic heART' project.
Community and Greater Taree City Council support for the 'Civic heART' project is transforming Victoria Street.
The street now features sculptures, garden beds and new seating structures that are designed to encourage people to stop and experience the street.
Walk through the street and giant goanna footprints cover the pavement; the entrance to Centrepoint Arcade now features four Manning Valley tallowwood logs carved to reveal goannas by acclaimed Aboriginal artist, Russell Saunders; a Rick Reynolds sculpture of a giant goanna now sits in the street and is located close to the Three Brothers sculpture by Malcolm Wallace and Renae Dixon; and a giant abacus by Lee Black is installed outside Mr Brown's accounting firm GPB Partners.
The 'Civic heART' project also included the remarkably successful inaugural Night Bazaar and the development of a Vibrant Spaces policy with council.
Council's new Vibrant Spaces policy allows businesses to use the footpath, free of charge, in return for innovative thinking and a common sense approach to adding colour, products, chairs and tables onto our streets. The policy seeks to encourage people to stop, linger, shop and dine and now applies to the town centres of Taree, Wingham, Harrington and Old Bar.
Graham is delighted the work of Tidy Up Taree volunteers is being recognised and says that he and his wife will travel to Dubbo to attend the gala awards presentation on November 14.
According to an award spokesperson, the Regional Achievement and Community Awards for NSW/ACT is about recognising rural and regional achievers in the community.
"There can never be enough encouragement and support for those working in rural and regional areas. Awards such as these create an opportunity to say thank you to businesses, community groups and individuals who work tirelessly in developing their chosen fields of endeavour."