Mornington Peninsula has won three major honours at the 2026 Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns Awards – cementing our commitment to environmental leadership, community action and sustainability
Renowned Southern Peninsula ecologist, artist and environmental advocate Gidja Walker received the prestigious Dame Phyllis Frost Local Hero Award, the highest individual honour in the Tidy Towns program – shared with senior Elder and Traditional Owner of Ikuntji, NT, Douglas Multa.
For more than 30 years, Gidja has helped restore the Peninsula's natural environment, including Tootgarook Wetlands and Coast Moonah Woodland, and protect threatened native species.
Gidja said the award recognises long-standing contributions to community and environmental care, and she is honoured to share the recognition.
"This work has always been about protecting the places and species that make the Peninsula so special. It reflects the efforts of many people in our community over many years," she said.
OzFish's Shell Savers Project, supported by the Shire, won the Circular Economy category at the 2026 Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns Awards. The community-led initiative collects discarded oyster shells from local businesses and uses them to help restore shellfish reefs in Port Phillip and Western Port bays.
OzFish Project Manager Andy Foudoulis said the award highlights the impact community partnerships can have on environmental restoration.
"Shell Savers shows how simple local actions can create lasting environmental change. It's rewarding to see oyster shells once considered waste helping restore important marine habitats across our bays," he said.
Ngawak Biik Junior Ranger Program at The Briars Mount Martha received a Highly Commended in the Young Legends Award, recognising youth leadership in environmental action. The Indigenous-led program, meaning 'understand Country, listen to Country', brings First Nations young people onto Country to learn land management, cultural practices and environmental stewardship from their community.
The Mornington Peninsula was one of seven communities from across the country shortlisted for the national Tidy Town of the Year title after being named Victoria's Tidy Town for 2025.
The national awards celebrate communities creating positive environmental, social and economic change across rural and regional Australia. The Shire congratulates Williams in Western Australia on receiving the national Tidy Town of the Year title.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Acting Mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro said the awards reflect the strength of the Peninsula's environmental leadership and community spirit.
"It's such an achievement for the Mornington Peninsula to be recognised on the national stage," he said. "From restoring marine ecosystems to empowering young people through cultural learning, these projects show what is possible when community passion and local action come together."
Councillor Max Patton said: "Gidja has been doing this work consistently for decades, and it has informed conservation across the Peninsula. Seeing that recognised at a national level is long overdue. Shell Savers is the same story in a different form: people who understand their local environment taking practical, lasting action on reef restoration in Port Phillip and Western Port. Both reflect what's possible when community knowledge and commitment drive environmental action."
