In the midst of Western Sydney Environment Month the 2004 Regional Environment Awards, held last Thursday, recognised the work of some great greenies in Blacktown.

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.

Blacktown and District Environment Group Secretary, Martin O'Reilly was honoured with the Individual Achievement Award for Blacktown. Mr O'Reilly has put in countless hours to preserve and protect the local environment. Recently Mr O'Reilly helped to rally local residents to fight for the protection of Rooty Hill as well as numerous other sites around the Blacktown area.

First time nominee St Andrews College at Marayong came away with the best schools Award for the Blacktown area. The school's senior class has dedicated much of its time to de-weeding and replanting native trees around the school's grounds. The students came up with the project idea themselves and have since spread the word about their work through the lower grades. The group has grown from a handful of year 12 students to a team with students from nearly every grade.

The Friends of Grantham group who focus on the Grantham area in Seven Hills were awarded with the best Community Group. The group has been lobbying state, local and federal members of parliament to have Grantham Park on Seven Hills Road heritage listed for the past six years. The site was added to the NSW Heritage Register late last year. As well as this, the members of the group have been active in replanting and regenerating the area. The reserve now has some great stands of native trees and undergrowth.

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 Leo Kelly, Mayor of Holroyd City Council said, "Well done to everyone, its so great to have so many active environment groups in our area. In reality all the nominees are winners, theya re out there every week, working away at improving and protecting what natural area we have left".

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