The outstanding achievements of environmental volunteers in the Upper Parramatta River Catchment region were recognised at this year's Regional Environment Awards, presented at a ceremony at Old Government House in Parramatta Park last Thursday 2 June 2005.

The annual awards are sponsored by the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust and Blacktown, Baulkham Hills, Parramatta and Holroyd Councils.

The Western Sydney Aboriginal Landcare Group from Doonside won the Diamond Award for their Koories Caring for Ropes Creek Project. The project is the first Aboriginal Landcare project initiated in Western Sydney and is also unique in its attempt to tackle a difficult and diverse area that contains threatened species

St Paul's Catholic College of Greystanes won the overall Schools category award. The College is establishing a 'green corridor' through the school grounds using plants that are native to the Cumberland Plain.

Tom Yelland of Baulkham Hills and Wayne Olling of Seven Hills jointly won the Individual achievement category. Each winner demonstrated the importance of acting locally to have an effect globally.

Award winners received Certificates and money for future environmental projects.

29 nominations were received from across the region for this year's awards. The awards were attended by Diane Beamer MP, the Minister for Western Sydney; Michael Richardson MP, State Member for the Hills and representatives of the four councils in the region.

Dr Stephen Lees, Executive Officer of the Trust said:

"The Awards recognise the importance of community action to protect vegetation and waterways in the Catchment. The health of our waterways depends upon community minded individuals and groups doing the right thing in their own neighbourhood."

Pictured are surprised but thrilled representatives from the Diamond winners receiving their award from the Minister for Western Sydney, Diane Beamer MP.