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.

The Periodic Detention Centre (PDC) Landcare group which is based on the banks of Toongabbie Creek near Westmead Hospital were the winners of the Community Group Award. The Landcare group trains weekend detainees on planting and regenerating native bushland areas. The group has also constructed birdhouses and placed them along the creek. The result has been a transformation of what used to be a weed-infested jungle into a native bushland area. The area now boasts a greater number of native birds and wildlife, as well as

Neil Rogers, who coordinates the PDC Landcare group was the winner of the Individual Category for Parramatta. His work has enabled the group to achieve far more then would have been able. On many occasions he has contacted council and other relevant agencies in order to secure funding or to promote the work that the group has been doing. Through his efforts Neil has been able to create long term working partnerships with a number of groups.

Catherine McAuley High School at Westmead was the winners of the Schools Category for the Awards this year. The school, lead my Mr Sean Nichols, has developed a wetland site in a former drain at the back of the school. The school has been running the wetlands project for the past 4 years. The students each take responsibility for the regeneration and care for a section of the wetland, which is used by the science classes and Waterwatch team for testing.

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 Julia Finn, Lord Mayor of Parramatta City Council said, "The environment is such an important part of our lives, it is fantastic to see such a large number of applicants. All of the nominees need to be congratulated for their efforts".

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