Residents in the Baulkham Hills Shire snared seven Awards in the 2005 Regional Environment Awards sponsored by the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust and Blacktown, Baulkham Hills, Parramatta and Holroyd Councils.

A highlight was Tom Yelland of Baulkham Hills jointly winning the overall Individual category for his efforts to reduce weed infestation in Excelsior Reserve.

Four Encouragement Awards were given to Hills entrants whose work deserved to be recognised, but did not win an overall award. The Shire had the highest number of entries amongst the four council areas, reflecting the high degree of environmental awareness and activity in the area.

Tom was an unassuming winner and believes his project can encourage others to take make a difference individually. Tom said:

"It demonstrates to others what can be done if we each do our bit."

29 nominations were received from across the region for this year's awards. Diane Beamer MP, the Minister for Western Sydney, and Michael Richardson MP, Member for the Hills, attended the awards ceremony at Old Government House in Parramatta Park on 2 June 2005. Cr David Bentham presented the Baulkham Hills Awards on behalf of his Council.

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 joint winners of the overall individual category, Tom Yelland (l) and Wayne Olling (r) receiving their awards from Blacktown City Councillor, Barbara Gapps.