Baulkham Hills may be the garden shire, but many of its residents are hard at work protecting its bushland! The 2004 Regional Environment Awards held last Thursday recognised the hard work and dedication of many of these people.

The 2004 Regional Environment Awards recognise environmental excellence and best practice under the categories of Community Groups, Schools and Individuals. The Awards are sponsored by the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust, Baulkham Hills, Blacktown, Holroyd and Parramatta Councils and have a combined prize pool of over $10,000.

Baulkham Hills Residents won two of the three overall awards.

16-year-old Zac Gazzard from North Rocks won the Overall Individual Category whilst Carlingford West Public School won the Overall Schools Category.

Winning the Baulkham Hills Community Category was previous winner Glenorie Environment and Creative Arts Centre. The centre has worked with the local community to rid the area of the fast spreading and noxious Crofton Weed. The Centre also participates in Streamwatch and has held a number of forums to help educate the local farmers and residents about water quality and their local environment.

Receiving Highly Commended Awards at the ceremony in the Community Category were Sophia Doyle Reserve Bushcare Group for their work in regenerating Sophia Doyle Reserve, and Bill Wood Reserve Bushcare Group for their efforts in Bill Wood Reserve.

Receiving Highly Commended Awards at the ceremony in the Education Category were Tara Junior School for their whole of school environmental education, and the well known environmental school Jasper Road Public School for the Arbors Program.

Dr Stephen Lees, Executive Officer of the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust said, "All the groups who nominated should be very proud of the work they have been able to achieve. It is just a shame that we can recognise more winners. We had over 40 nominations this year, which shows how committed our community is to preserving, protecting and enhancing the environment".

Clr Sonya Phillips, Mayor of Baulkham Hills Shire Council said, "Its so great to see so many schools represented here. All the nominees work so hard to get things done within our shire. We need to be proud of this work".

Each of the winners for Baulkham Hills Shire Council received a $250 prize which will be spent on future environmental projects.