A local community group, the Greystanes Creek Management Committee, discovered a diamond at this year's Regional Environment Awards, winning the prestigious $5,000 Diamond Award, presented by Tanya Gadiel MP Member for Parramatta, at the Awards ceremony at Old Government House in Parramatta Park last Thursday evening. With prizes for winning other categories, the Toongabbie group took home trophies and cheques for $6,250 that will be used on future environmental projects.

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 cover all four council areas and a total population of two-thirds of a million people. The awards have a combined prize pool of over $10,000.

The Greystanes Creek Management Committee is a volunteer group is based in Toongabbie. It has been working along Greystanes Creek, between Oklahoma Avenue and Memphis Crescent, for the past 10 years. Its main focus has been replanting and preserving native trees along the banks of the creek. Since 1999 members of the group have planted well over 20,000 trees to greatly increase habitat for native birds and animals.

Neil Johnson, President of the Group said, "The group has been working at this for such a long time, but we never expected to receive such an award. Its really a great honour to receive it. Thanks to the Trust and Holroyd Council for their support".

Dr Stephen Lees, Executive Officer of the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust, commented, "The group has been very active for many years in restoring the local environment around Greystanes Creek. They have certainly worked hard to achieve this award. The Trust and four participating Councils really appreciate the efforts of local groups like this that work so tirelessly, giving up their own time to improve the environment for the community, and future generations."

"All the groups who nominated should be very proud of what they have been able to achieve. It is just a shame that we can't recognise more winners. There were over 40 nominations this year. This shows how committed our community is to preserving, protecting and enhancing the environment", Dr Lees went on to say.

Ms Gadiel commented, "Its such a fantastic opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of all these groups. Congratulations to all the nominees, but particularly to Greystanes Creek Management Committee"

John Brodie, Mayor of Holroyd City Council said, "Its groups such as this that are making the difference in our communities. We need to support the work that they do, because without them, our environment is ruined"

The Greystanes Creek group was selected as the best Community Group, not only within Holroyd City Council area, but also across the four council areas.

Other Holroyd winners were Cerdon College of Merrylands, which won the Holroyd Schools Category award; and Matthew Saunderson of Greystanes, who was the individual winner for Holroyd.